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.
More Racing News
Hayes believes Ka Ying Rising is in peak form for Everest defence
Legendary trainer David Hayes is confident that Hong Kong sensation Ka Ying Rising is a more formidable sprinter now than when he last competed in Sydney, ahead of his attempt to secure a second consecutive Group 1 $20 million TAB Everest title at Royal Randwick on Saturday."Ka Ying Rising is...
Skyhook faces distance query in Silver Eagle bid
Connections of Skyhook have only one concern, a drop in distance, as the four-year-old aims to secure his fourth consecutive victory in this Saturday's $1 million Silver Eagle at Randwick.Since adopting on-pace tactics, the four-year-old has hit a purple patch of form, winning the Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m) in May and...
Wine Dark Sea impresses Damian Lane ahead of Caulfield Cup bid
It's a familiar sight to see Damian Lane partnering with international gallopers in the Spring Carnival's major races, but this Saturday's Caulfield Cup sees a change of rider for the overseas contender.The in-form jockey is set to ride the English stayer Wine Dark Sea in the 150th running of the...
Chris Waller's Caulfield Cup Field Yet to Be Finalised
Track gallops and prevailing weather conditions will be key factors in determining the final lineup for trainer Chris Waller's Caulfield Cup contenders.Currently, six of the 34 horses remaining in contention for the 150th running of the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday are under Waller's care. Horses confirmed to be in...
Autumn Glow primed for King Charles III Stakes challenge
Kerrin McEvoy, who warmed the saddle for James McDonald, has given his tick of approval to Autumn Glow ahead of her primary campaign goal, the King Charles III Stakes at Randwick.With McDonald occupied at Caulfield for the Guineas meeting, McEvoy partnered the star mare in a 1000m solo exhibition gallop...
Formal Display's impressive form continues towards The Big Dance
The reputation of Formal Display as one of racing's most rapidly improving horses was further enhanced by a characteristically gritty win in the Group 3 $1.5 million Alan Brown Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.Having begun the year competing in a humble benchmark 78 event, Formal Display has maintained...
Lady Shenandoah triumphs in the Toorak Handicap
The dominant duo of trainer Chris Waller and jockey James McDonald has reached a milestone of 66 Group 1 wins together, courtesy of Lady Shenandoah's impressive victory in the Toorak Handicap at Caulfield.Following McDonald's advice, Waller opted to send Lady Shenandoah to Melbourne for the 1600m Group 1 Handicap on...
King and Warwoven dominate Caulfield Guineas
Warwoven has further pressed his credentials as Australia's leading colt with a superb victory in the $3 million Group 1 Caulfield Guineas on Saturday.The Bjorn Baker-trained star validated his commanding Golden Rose win, overcoming the best 1600-metre three-year-olds Victoria had to offer in his Melbourne debut.He now joins the elite...
Attrition triumphs over Lindermann in the Hill Stakes
Mitchell Freedman, the young trainer, declared 'it's what you do it for' as his tough campaigner Attrition battled past fellow war horse Lindermann to secure his second victory in the $2 million Hill Stakes.Attrition, who won the Group 2 feature in 2024 and finished second to Lindermann twelve months prior,...
Land Legend delivers shock Might And Power victory
The Might And Power Stakes has lived up to its reputation as a punting pitfall, with another favourite failing to salute at Caulfield.The $1.40 elect, Sheza Alibi, was the latest to fall in the Group 1 2000m weight-for-age race on Saturday, a fate that befell Treasurethe Moment ($1.60) last year,...