With six career victories and over $2.6 million in prize earnings, Magic Time has proven to be an exceptional mare. Trainer Grahame Begg is convinced she has returned to the stables in even better shape.
The dual Group 1 winner is set to launch her latest campaign in the Expressway Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday. This race serves as a stepping stone towards a third elite-level title in the upcoming Canterbury Stakes (1200m) in three weeks.
“We earmarked the Canterbury Stakes for Magic Time but I just felt she needed to have a run before she went into a Group One,” Begg explained.
“Going into Group Ones first-up is pretty hard on them. You just need that little bit more seasoning.
“She only had a very light spring. She had the three runs. That was always the plan and then gear up for the autumn.”
Magic Time has demonstrated her ability to perform on all track conditions, but she thrives on rain-affected surfaces. Begg is hopeful that Sydney’s typically wet autumn will work in her favor.
Additionally, he is thrilled with her current condition, believing she is at her absolute peak.
“I think she is maybe a touch better. The way she looks, her condition and the way she has presented in her jump outs and barrier trial, she seems to be right on top of her game,” he said.
With her excellent form, Begg is keeping multiple options open, including a potential defense of her title in the All Aged Stakes (1400m) and even a tilt at the Doncaster Mile (1600m).
Stablemate Kundalini will also make her return at Randwick in the Group 3 Triscay Stakes (1200m), with Begg eager to add a black-type victory to the well-bred mare’s achievements.
After showing promise in her first campaign for the stable last spring, he is optimistic about her progress.
“She is just starting to come into her own,” Begg said.
“I really believe that the I Am Invincibles are better as they get older, rather than as young horses. She ran in an (Inglis) Millennium and ran well against horses like Learning To Fly. She is a good talent.
“She’s had a jump out and trial over 1000-metres. She’s got a little bit of improvement to come but she is in good order to run well.”
Since moving his operation to Victoria in 2016, Begg has had significant success targeting Sydney races, securing notable wins with runners like Magic Time, Passive Aggressive, and Written By.