Magic Time targets The Invitation 2023

Grahame Begg is confident Magic Time has what it takes to secure a big pay-day in Saturday’s The Invitation at Randwick after she won her fourth race and second at Group 3 level from just six starts last time out.

Sent forward by Nash Rawiller second up in the Group 3 The Nivison (1200m), her second Group win over the distance, Magic Time will require a jockey switch after the leading hoop was suspended on Wednesday.

“Nash is suspended so Tyler Schiller is booked,” Begg said.

Magic Time was quickly installed as one of the favourites for The Invitation and sits as a $4 second favourite with online bookmakers behind Espiona at $3.50 who ran seventh in The Everest last start, and Begg is confident the rise to 1400m will suit.

“Well she’s won over 1400 hundred, she won the Amanda Elliot at 1400. It’s a very good race, it’ll be a strong race, good quality race.”

Saturday will be just the third running of The Invitation, run under set weights and penalties conditions for fillies and mares, and there is likely to be at least four Group 1 winners in the race.

Begg, who unfortunately had to scratch Nonconformist from Saturday’s Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) due to lameness issues, is under no illusions that Magic Time will need to step up again but is hitting the race at the right time, having been set for this race all along.

“It’ll be a good race, she’ll be competitive. She’s in good shape.”

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