Underrated sprinter Percy’s Magic will now test himself against the “big boys” after winning tonight’s Shepparton Classic final (450m).

Nilma North trainer Nathan Rooney said Percy’s Magic will now be set for the forthcoming Group 2 Shepparton Cup series.

“The Launching Pad was the go if he didn’t win tonight. But after winning tonight he’s ineligible for the Launching Pad, so we’ll set him for the Shepparton Cup and try ourselves against the big boys,” Rooney told GRV’s Brad Williams post-race.

Rooney was confident Percy’s Magic could win the Classic if he could “get close enough early”.

“When he came out and got off the back of the two (Bound To Succeed), I thought it was certainly race on and he finished off real strong which was very impressive.”

In fact, it was a minor upset as he toppled two high profile young stars in Bound To Succeed and Zambora Smokey.

Percy’s Magic sat behind the pilot Bound To Succeed for most of the trip before taking over 50 metres from home.

Notching his seventh win from 14 starts, Percy’s Magic ($5.50) defeated Bound To Succeed ($2.20F) by one and three-quarter lengths, with rank outsider Stride For Pride ($46.30) a further six lengths away third in a flying 25.01sec. Zambora Smokey ($3.00) finished fourth.

When Rooney was asked what made Percy’s Magic so special, he replied: “He’s actually the favourite dog in the kennel, even before tonight. He’s a beautiful natured dog, very loyal, easy to train, and very well behaved. He’s always happy to meet you in the morning.”

Lara owner-breeders Nadine and Darren Brown collected the $10,000 first prize. And Percy’s Magic (Jan ’18 Fabregas x Magic Diva) increased his prize money to $25,740.

Nadine also owned his dam, Magic Diva, who won 31 races from 63 starts and earned just over $142,000 in stakes. Trained by Darren, Magic Diva won the 2014 Group 2 Warrnambool Classic.

Pawnote: The Shepparton Classic is an age-restricted event for male greyhounds whelped on or after November 1, 2017.

FULL RESULTS

WATCH: Percy’s Magic (7) overpowers Bound To Succeed (2) in the Shepparton Classic.