Flemington straight to suit C’est Magique in Gilgai Stakes
Trainer Grahame Begg has considerable belief in lightly raced mare C’est Magique.
The winner of a Pakenham synthetic maiden at her debut outing, has competed in Stakes race in her four subsequent starts.
Begg has raised the bar further on Saturday with C’est Magique heading to Flemington to tackle the open age sprinters in the Gilgai Stakes (1200m).
It is a test of faith with the mare who finished second at Listed level at her second career start along with splitting contenders in The Everest, In Secret and Buenos Nachos, in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington last October.
The Only time C’est Magique has been seen since that performance was when a first-up fourth behind Benedetta in the Cockram Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on September 2.
“We were very happy first-up as she was quite underdone going into the run,” Begg said.
“We gave her a month between runs, and she’s had a jump-out last week at Cranbourne just to keep her ticking over.
“She’s in very good shape and she’s still got a bit of improvement to come, but getting her back up the straight, it’s the right way to go.”
Following Saturday’s race, Begg would like to head to the Tristarc Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on October 21.
Begg said with the introduction of The Invitation in Sydney and it’s $2 million purse was diluting the quality of mares’ races.
Already, Begg has sent Magic Time to Sydney in a bid to gain a start in The Invitation.
“What I would like to do is possibly run her (C’est Magique) in the Tristarc Stakes at Caulfield after Saturday and then make a decision,” Begg said.
“It’s 1400 metres and there are all these mares’ races in Sydney that are diluting the product.
“On Derby Day there’s a $2 million race in Sydney called The Invitation. It’s $1 million to the winner without any (Group) status, but what it’s doing is diluting the product.
“The mares can’t run everywhere. There were a number of mares that went to the mile against Amelia’s Jewel last week.
“So, I wouldn’t mind having a shot at the Tristarc and then three weeks later I can come back to the 1200 metres (Champions Sprint) or go up to the mile of the Empire Rose Stakes.”
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...