Begg targeting strong finale for Magic Time in Sydney autumn carnival
Although trained in Victoria, Magic Time could easily be considered a Sydney regular owing to her many appearances in the New South Wales capital.
She has contested 14 of her 26 races in Sydney, yielding four triumphs and five podium finishes, against just 10 starts in her home state and two up in Brisbane.
Saturday represents her fourth straight year racing on the last day of the Sydney autumn carnival – she earned a placing in the James H B Carr Stakes (1400m) back in 2023, followed by a win in the All Aged Stakes (1400m) the next year before running midfield last time out in the feature.
The day has proven fruitful overall, with trainer Grahame Begg keen to see that pattern repeat amid a quality lineup for the Group 1 All Aged Stakes at Randwick.
"It's obviously a good race. They don't give them away," Begg said.
"This has been her preferred distance.
"She looks in great order, and she worked strongly (on Tuesday) morning at Randwick."
First-up, Magic Time was defeated by fewer than three lengths in the William Reid Stakes (1200m) held at Caulfield March 21, subsequently racing too keenly upfront and weakening late behind Joliestar in the TJ Smith Stakes (1200m).
The trainer reckons she had valid reasons and has stripped the blinkers accordingly.
"The other day, she ended up being stuck down on the inside of runners. She got a bit of a bump at the start, and she over-raced in the blinkers and fired up," Begg said.
"It took a good four hundred metres to get back and get cover, but then she was back down hemmed in on the inside and probably on the worst part of the track after doing a bit of work.
"She only got beaten a touch over three lengths. We felt she ran well, so we've taken the blinkers off her and we'll see what happens."
Saturday's All Aged Stakes will see the last three victors collide, with 2023 hero Giga Kick and current champion Jimmysstar both entered.
Both Magic Time in barrier 11 and Jimmysstar from 12 face wide starts, whereas Giga Kick has draw seven.
Additionally, beloved mare Fangirl makes her return following surgery to address bone chips at spring's end.
Explore online bookmakers ahead of the Group 1 All Aged Stakes action.
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