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.”