Stefi Magnetica flies late to win The Invitation 2025
Trainer Bjorn Baker’s mare Stefi Magnetica ($3.90) reaffirmed her class with a gutsy victory in the $2 million Group 2 The Invitation at Randwick, bouncing back from a recent setback to notch another major win.
The daughter of All Too Hard settled back under Jason Collett before powering home down the outside to overhaul Gerringong ($14) by a neck, with Gangsta Granny ($9) close behind in third.
The win pushed the five-year-old’s earnings past $7 million, with Baker delighted to finally strike a big one during a challenging spring campaign.
“I thought if we didn’t have this setback the King Charles III Stakes last week was the ideal race for her,” Baker said.
“I didn’t have any confidence coming in today off a little bit of a setback, and she was great.
“I can’t win a race during this carnival, I’ve had seconds, thirds, fourths, fifths, so it’s a big relief. I had Overpass run a gallant fourth last week (in The Everest).
“It’s hard to win races this time of year, you need a very special horse and a special team behind you and I’m lucky to have both.”
Collett said the mare’s turn of foot and composure made all the difference late.
“There was a bit of a worry about fitness coming into it off the setback she had, but that was great,” Collett said.
“She’s just electric when you get her back and let that tempo unfold in front.
“Just letting her get into that rhythm is so important too.”
Baker said he would resist the temptation to back up, instead eyeing a rematch with familiar rivals in the Champions Mile.
“We won’t back up, maybe we’ll go to the Champions Mile and take on a couple of our old sparring partners,” Baker said with a grin.
“Nothing like good competition, we love good competition.”
Stefi Magnetica is currently $8 in early markets for the Champions Mile on November 8.
Those planning to bet on The Invitation or upcoming features can find top offers at leading Australian betting sites like Sportsbet, Ladbrokes and TAB.
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