Patience is a virtue.

Yes it is a well-worn and old saying, but Darwin trainer Jason Manning provided some living proof in Saturday's opening race at Fannie Bay.

Manning produced the quinella as Iced Magic (Vanessa Arnott) poked along the rail to beat home Yoshi Junior (Carl Spry) in the TROBIS GTNT Handicap (1100m).

It was a result nearly two years in the making and rewarded those owners prepared to back a trainer willing to buy yearlings instead of tried horses, who make up the bulk of the Top End racing population.

"We bought them as yearlings through the Brisbane Bloodstock Sales and there are a lot of first-time owners in both horses," Manning said. "For the owners it has been a while in the works, but they've stuck with me and they are all happy."

Iced Magic added some extra sweetness for her owners, starting at the juicy odds of $21 on track after kick-starting her career with two unplaced runs.

"The grey filly has always showed us a lot on the track, but once she learns how to race, I think she's going to be a nice horse," Manning said.

Meanwhile, Top End speedster Dream Face produced a brave effort to run second behind the smart Obsidian Dragon in yesterday's Holdfast Insurance Handicap (1050m) at Morphettville.

The news wasn't as good for Lucid Reflection, who dropped out to run last in the Listed City of Marion Stakes (1200m).

And a reminder Alice Springs is hosting a five-race program today, highlighted by the $9500 Traillco Industries Handicap (1100m).

Racing starts at 3.58pm and will be broadcast through Sky Racing 2 and Radio TAB.

Story courtesy of Gregor Mactaggart, NT News