Magnaspin set to shine at Sandown on Boxing Day races

The Corstens and Larkin stable believe Sandown could once again bring the best out of Magnaspin when he lines up in Friday’s Listed Lord Stakes (1600m).

While the six-year-old is yet to contest a race on the Lakeside course, he boasts a flawless record at the Hillside version, placing in all three appearances, including two wins.

Friday marks his third run this campaign, and co-trainer Will Larkin is confident the gelding is ready to show his true form.

Magnaspin resumed with a sixth in the Testa Rossa Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, followed by another sixth behind Persian Spirit in the VOBIS Gold Bullion (1400m) at Pakenham.

“He’s come out of that last run really well and the step up to the mile, third-up, he should be ready to improve,” Larkin said.

“He really loves Sandown and has a real affinity for the track. He’s won a few races there and last prep he won a nice race there.”

Larkin said a longer-than-usual break after winter meant Magnaspin was slower to reach full fitness, but the stable is confident he has now turned the corner.

“He’s a horse that has come up a bit slower this time as we gave him a bit of a bigger spell and after the two runs, his fitness should be right there now,” he said.

Cartwright, in strong recent form with multiple metropolitan wins, will partner the gelding.