Begg mare shooting for second All Aged Stakes win

Trainer Grahame Begg is banking on a better draw to help Magic Time return to the winner’s circle in Saturday’s All Aged Stakes at Randwick.

The mare heads to the 1400m Group 1 after a familiar run in this month’s T J Smith Stakes, where for the second year in a row she drew barrier one and found herself cramped for room.

In both T J Smith attempts, Magic Time was forced to race tight along the inside rail and couldn't find clear galloping space, finishing seventh in 2023 and sixth this year by just over a length.

Begg is hoping for a midfield barrier in Saturday’s race, similar to her successful draw in last year’s All Aged Stakes, where she surged home from gate six to win.

“She has drawn barrier one in the T J Smith both years, and it’s been rinse and repeat,” Begg said.

“She got beaten just over a length last year and it was similar again this time.

“She was down on the inside being dictated to when you are trying to hold your position too close to the lead.

“She’s much better when she has a little room to move, ridden a little more cuddled back and allowed to wind up into her race.

“She ran very well and they’re great races, those races.”

He also pointed out how close the competition has been in the T J Smith, with little separating the top 10 runners.

“There’s not a lot between them, two lengths between the top 10, and it’s luck on the day,” he said.

Jordan Childs retains the ride on Magic Time this weekend, having guided her in all three runs this prep, including her dominant win in the Expressway Stakes (1200m) in February. Michael Dee partnered her to victory in last year’s All Aged Stakes.

Magic Time’s breakthrough Group 1 came in last spring’s Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m), and she remains a key contender this weekend if conditions go her way.