Magic Time Seeks Sydney Success in All Aged Stakes
Magic Time, a mare trained in Victoria, has developed a strong affinity for Sydney, making frequent trips to the harbour city that have yielded impressive results. From 26 career starts, she has raced in Sydney 14 times, securing four wins and five placings, compared to 10 appearances in Victoria and two in Brisbane. This Saturday marks her fourth consecutive year competing on the final day of the Sydney autumn carnival, a testament to her consistency and preference for the track.
Consistent Performances in Sydney Carnivals
In 2023, Magic Time was placed in the James H B Carr Stakes over 1400 metres, and she returned 12 months later to capture the All Aged Stakes, also over 1400 metres. Last year, she finished midfield in the same event, showcasing her resilience and competitive spirit. Trainer Grahame Begg is hopeful that this pattern of success will continue, despite facing a high-class field in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes at Randwick.
"It's obviously a good race. They don't give them away," Begg remarked. "This has been her preferred distance. She looks in great order, and she worked strongly on Tuesday morning at Randwick."
Recent Form and Adjustments
Magic Time's recent performances include a narrow defeat, beaten less than three lengths first-up in the William Reid Stakes at Caulfield on March 21. However, she over-raced in the early stages and tired in the final 50 metres when unplaced behind Joliestar in the T J Smith Stakes. Begg believes she had genuine excuses for that run and has made a significant change by removing the blinkers.
"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 explained. "It took a good four hundred metres to get back and get cover, but then she was 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."
Competitive Field and Draw Challenges
The All Aged Stakes features a star-studded lineup, with the past three winners set to clash. The 2023 victor Giga Kick and defending titleholder Jimmysstar are among the acceptors, adding to the race's prestige. Magic Time and Jimmysstar face the challenge of wide gates, drawing barriers 11 and 12 respectively, while Giga Kick has a more favourable start from barrier seven.
Additionally, the race marks the return of popular mare Fangirl, who has been absent since undergoing surgery for bone chips at the end of the spring. Her comeback adds another layer of excitement to this highly anticipated event.
As the Sydney autumn carnival concludes, all eyes will be on Randwick to see if Magic Time can overcome the odds and secure another victory in her adopted city.
