Magic Time, the talented four-year-old trained by Grahame Begg, showcased her form in her first public outing since her impressive victory in November’s Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) during a trial at Cranbourne on Monday morning.
Despite finishing fifth over 800 metres, 2.75 lengths behind the winner Grand Impact, rider Michael Dee expressed satisfaction with her performance, stating, “She was great, she was only out there to have a soft hitout and I think if I shook the reins at her she would have really let down and finished off and would have gone close to winning that heat.”
Looking ahead, Magic Time is being primed for her first-up challenge in the prestigious $1.5 million Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) on March 9. Prior to the race, she is expected to participate in a straight-track jumpout at Flemington the week leading up to the event.
Magic Time is listed as a +1200 chance with horse racing bookies for the Newmarket Handicap.