Misty Bazeley’s magic dream in the Bunbury Cup

It’s a big challenge, but Misty Bazeley isn’t ruling out the chance of adding a Bunbury Cup to her resume and joining her partner on the trainer’s honor roll.

Aaron Bazeley was celebrated after Burger Time’s unexpected victory six years ago, and now it’s Misty Bazeley’s turn to make her mark with the rising star, Magic Whistle.

In 2019, Burger Time won at $41, and though Magic Whistle is priced at $17, Bazeley is confident that if the horse continues improving, he could achieve a similar result.

Since joining Bazeley’s stable, Magic Whistle has thrived, benefiting from a new environment, and the six-year-old is arguably in the best form of his career.

After moving from Dean Skipworth’s stable in December, the Galah gelding has put together an impressive record of three wins and one second from six starts this campaign.

Magic Whistle enters the Bunbury Cup after a strong performance in a 2200m race at Ascot, leading from the front and holding off all rivals to win by 1 ¼ lengths.

Bazeley admits winning the Bunbury Cup would be a dream come true, but she’s confident that her horse is in excellent form, proven over the distance, and ready to race.

“He’s going to be at any old odds again,” Bazeley said to Racing WA.

“He goes under the radar.”

“I don’t think I’ve had a horse come through every run and get better.”

“He’s always had ability, but he’s enjoying my methods.”

“He’s working every day, on the heavy sand, at the beach.”

“It was tough at first, but now he’s thriving and soaking up the work.”

“He’s very fit and into a routine.”

Magic Whistle’s chances were impacted by drawing barrier 17, but Bazeley isn’t concerned.

“I’d rather draw wide than inside on him,” Bazeley said.

“He can be a little slow out of the gates.”

“When we first got him, he didn’t like being crowded.”

“Once, he got crowded and lost his position, but recovered after some discomfort.”

“It’s better for him to find a comfortable spot early on.”

“He doesn’t have to lead, but he can move forward if needed.”

Luke Campbell has played a key role in Magic Whistle’s improvement.

“Every time he’s ridden him, the horse performs better,” Bazeley said.

“It’s easier having a jockey who knows the horse and has a plan.”

“He has the confidence now.”

Magic Whistle could bring in a big weekend for Bazeley, with Maxwhooshtapin set for the Listed Lex Piper Stakes (1600m) at Ascot on Sunday.

The three-year-old returns after a maiden win at Pinjarra in January.

With barrier six in a field of eight, Luke Campbell will ride him.

Bazeley expects the Pride Of Dubai gelding to improve after his first-up race.

At $81, he’s the outsider in the field, according to online betting sites.