Hugo fought back to win the Sydeston Night Cup (2100m) at Mowbray on Wednesday evening after being headed in the straight by the favourite Valdez.

The gutsy victory earned Hugo a start in the G3 Launceston Cup next week.  “He had a couple of issues after a very tough run last time but he looked quite normal after pulling up tonight so I would expect him to run in the Cup,” trainer Brendan McShane said.  “I have no doubt this horse will run out a strong 2400 metres.”

Hugo deserved to break through after being runner-up at his previous three outings behind Big Tilly, Deux Foix and Miss It And A Bit.

Eliza Park International sire Magnus got him from LR Strutt Stakes winner Galvanized.  The Rubiton mare was also stakes placed at Flemington and Moonee Valley.  She has a yearling filly by Written Tycoon and was bred back to Statue Of Liberty last year.

The Night Cup result came shortly after a Magnus yearling made $115,000 at the Perth Magic Millions.  His colt from Jestceny will be prepared by leading local trainer Trevor Andrews.

Victorian trainer Wez Hunter also weighed in with $60,000 in the west for a Magnus – Markka filly entered by Eliza Park International.  The Perth market was a natural fit for Magnus after his outstanding mare Magnifisio won the G1 Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot in November.

Magnus has 7 lots entered for the Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale next month starting with the half-brother to Flemington juvenile stakes winner Spectrolite (Lot 66).

Eliza Park International has the majority of yearlings by Magnus at Oaklands Junction including a filly from Flokkati (Lot 160).  The dam is a three-quarter sister to the $60,000 filly purchased by Hunter in Perth.