Paul Preusker’s six-year-old-mare Xtramagic returned to the winner’s circle for the first time in more than two years when she was a dominant victor at Bendigo on Saturday. 
The daughter of Xtravagant had filled a placing seven times from 18 attempts since registering her third career victory at Ballarat in April 2024, but was far too good dropping back to 0-56 company on the weekend, jockey Fred Kersley sitting up for the photo on the line. 
Xtramagic ($5.50) was impressive in the closing stages, clocking solid late sectionals and putting her rivals away with contempt in a welcome return to form. 
The mare is awkwardly rated at 59 following her fourth career win, but her form on soft tracks (8: 3-1-1) should see her competitive again up in grade next time.
Stayer covers exes, and then some
Staying with the Preusker camp, six-year-old galloper Zibulon ($21) earned the biggest paycheque of his career by fishing runner-up in Saturday’s $400,000 Group 2 Brisbane Cup over 3200 metres at Eagle Farm. 
The gelded son of Dschingis Secret pocketed $74,000 for his connections by beating all bar runaway winner Alalcance ($4.60).
It was the second runner-up finish in a row for Zibulon, who just missed The Western Front in the Sandown Cup the start prior. 
Preusker is no stranger to the Brisbane Cup, having travelled Captain Envious two years ago for a third-placed finish behind multiple group winner Alegron.
All roads lead to …
We’re back racing at Royal Donald this Saturday.