Magpie Hector goes into Friday’s Sportsbet Sandown Cup as a major contender, with the support of his hometown of Forbes in New South Wales.

He’s trained by one of the most successful trainers of the past decade in Jack Smith and owned by Andrew Walker, both of Forbes, who represents a group behind the star stayer.

“I’ve been in dogs for a while now, and you never would’ve thought that this could happen. We’re enjoying the ride,” said Walker, on Giddy Up with Gareth Hall today.

Courtesy of a lasting friendship with Jack Smith, Walker had the opportunity to buy a pup, after tenures owning thoroughbreds and trotters.

“We picked out a pup, and the rest is history.”

As is the imperfect science of choosing a puppy, he sided with the boy they call ‘Hector’ due to his curiosity on the day.

“When I got in the yard he came up to me, when I went to the other side he followed me around.”

And he’s named after a local legend in Forbes who had a big impact on the community. Hear the story below – from 2 minutes and 18 seconds.

Magpie Hector is aiming for his fourth Group 1 win, with this one being the most significant of the lot – the sport’s most prestigious staying race.

Fields for the final night of the Trilogy will be out on Wednesday morning.

Click here for a wrap of last week’s heats
Click here for the night’s Race Data

On the Watchdog App? Head to the Podcast section on the home page for Andrew Walker’s chat with Gareth Hall on Giddy Up

Magpie Hector (2) runs 3rd to Electrify (3) and Power Squeeze (7) to qualify for the final

An in-depth wrap of Trilogy Night 1