Magic Time stamps herself on the 2025 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes

Caulfield played host to an eye-catching return from Grahame Begg’s mare Magic Time, who stormed home to capture the Group 3 Cockram Stakes (1200m).

Rated $3.90 favourite, the six-year-old finished strongly under Michael Dee, defeating Miss Roumbini ($6) by three-quarters of a length, with Abounding ($17) finishing third. The victory gave Begg reason to rethink her immediate program.

Originally slated for the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes on September 20, the mare could instead be steered towards Sydney. “She might be outweighed in the Rupert Clarke,” Begg said. “She was a 112-rater going into today’s race, so we’ll have to work that out in the next few weeks. This mare still has a good deal of improvement to come… her coat is still nowhere near right yet, but the stimulation of a race day will bring her on greatly.”

Begg was also quick to commend Dee’s ride. “He showed patience. He had her in a good rhythm. He trusted her ability and got her over the line.”

Dee, who reunited with Magic Time after missing her Sydney runs last prep, said conditions early didn’t suit but the mare’s finishing burst was decisive. “It played out a little bit differently than we anticipated today. They went a bit quick for her and she was struggling a little bit early. I was able to get to the outside in that three-wide line which she more or less prefers, and we saw that good turn of foot that she’s always got.”