Peaking Magic Time spells danger for rivals in Hot Danish Stakes

Grahame Begg is banking on improved fitness levels and a different circuit helping Magic Time turn the tables on Belclare when the pair face a rematch in the Hot Danish Stakes.

Magic Time tried hard but was unable to reel in Belclare in The Invitation (1400m) at Randwick last start, finishing just over a length astern of the winner.

Begg admits her Bjorn Baker-trained conqueror will prove hard to catch again in the Hot Danish Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on Saturday, but he also believes Belclare might have enjoyed some favours last start.

“The leader will probably be hard to pick up again, Belclare, the way it went. It ran probably a career-peak the other day and we’ve taken good benefit,” Begg said.

“At Randwick the other day, it was a bit of a fast lane up the inside. Leaders were extremely hard to pick up and they ran nearly a track record.

“Even if you were just two lengths off them, you couldn’t get them. We’re hopeful she can turn the tables on Saturday.”

Magic Time has a terrific record when Begg brings her to Sydney, winning three of her seven starts in the harbour city and placing on another three occasions.

Her highlight was a Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) victory, which she claimed third-up last autumn.

She will be having the third start of her current preparation in the Hot Danish where Begg says she will be at peak fitness.

“She has trained on well and she has taken benefit from what was her second-up run, first run in Sydney,” he said.

“It looks a good race for her.”

Begg confirmed Magic Time was having a light spring and would head to the paddock after Saturday, ruling out a seven-day back-up into the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, which she won last year.