Port Macquarie trainer Jenny Graham has the chance to win a second Country Championship with Magnalane winning his way into the final.
Ridden by Sam Clenton, Magnalane had to overcome a wide gate and the challenge from Casino Mondial in the $150,000 qualifying heat at Taree on Sunday.
Graham won the $500,000 final in 2018 with Victorem.
"This horse had been working really well and I wsa so upset with the gate (13)," Graham told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
"I said to Sam 'we've got a good rider so do your best'.''
Clenton had Magnalane in a handy position and he hit the front early in the straight and looked headed for a comfortable win.
Casino Mondial, trained by Mike Byers, did not give and gave chase to come within a half head with his second guaranteeing him a spot in the final.
"When I hit the front I thought he was going to give me six (lengths),'' Clenton said.
"He does have a think about things but he has no gear on so going forward to the final he might need winkers or blinkers maybe."
The final is at Randwick on April 4.
Australian Associated Press
