Ilovethiscity emulated his sire Magic Albert when he scored a G3 victory in the Spring Stakes at Newcastle on Wednesday.  The Grahame Begg trained colt will now head south for a crack at the G1 Caulfield Guineas next month.

Ilovethiscity (3c Magic Albert – Kensington Rose by ) was generally regarded as the unlucky runner when third in last month’s $1 million G1 Golden Rose and he was sent out a warm favourite to atone today.  Jockey Glen Boss ensured the colt found clear running soon after entering the straight and he let down with a superior turn of foot to win by a length.

“He has a magic stride and felt like he didn’t even touch the ground,” Boss said.  “I thought I was on the best horse in the race and just let him cruise into it.  He has an amazing turn of foot and it was a very soft win.

“He got there way too soon and didn’t know what to do the last furlong.  If he has a bunny to chase, he will be electric.  He has all the attributes to be a really good horse.”

Begg picked Ilovethiscity out of the Fairview Park draft for $40,000 at the 2009 Inglis Classic yearling sale.  The Caulfield Guineas has been a happy hunting ground for Classic graduates with In Top Swing, God’s Own and Whobegotyou all winning the classic in recent times.

Yarraman Park stallion Magic Albert won the Spring Stakes in 2001.  The 2010 winner hails from the family of the Begg trained filly Mahaya (Sir Tristram) who won the 1993 G1 AJC Oaks.