Magic Time remains unbeaten with P J Bell Stakes victory
Magic Time kept her undefeated record in tact after blowing her opposition away in the Randwick finale on Saturday afternoon.
He was first-up after a 147-day spell for trainer Graeme Begg and has seemingly lost nothing after her trip to the paddock.
Already a stakes winner saluting in the Amanda Elliot at Listed level before heading out, the Grahame Begg yard are sure to have a lot of fun with this filly out of Hellbent, who had no issues travelling through the heavy conditions.
Jordan Childs produced a classy ride, sitting on the back of Parisal throughout the journey, stalking James McDonald’s mount before screaming over the top late to score.
Portray set-up a genuine tempo for the stablemate Parisal; however, it played into the hands of Magic Time who was able to use her scintillating turn-of-foot to score an impressive victory in the P J Bell Stakes.
Lady Laguna travelled well on the inside of gallopers and was brave holding third position while well supported favourite, Opal Ridge, wouldn’t have lost too many admirers running into fourth position from back in the ruck.
2023 Group 3 P J Bell Stakes Replay – Magic Time
Graeme Begg spoke about his progressive filly in the aftermath of the Randwick finale and has a strong opinion of her moving forward.
“I don’t know what her ceiling is,” said Begg
“I told John Hewitt, her owner, her breeder, I said ‘I don’t really know how good she is.’ We had a bit of a set back early in the preparation, we had to pull back a bit. But bloody good effort, I tell you what.
“Three for three, but highly promising.”
Jockey Jordan Childs was thrilled with the win as well, with the untapped potential clear to see.
“She’s a very nice horse,” said Childs.
“I’ve always thought that of her. It was a bit messy at stages during that race, I just had to be a bit patient. But once we got to the outside she knew what she was here for and attacked the line strong.
“I think she’ll get over further. She’s a very relaxed horse and you can sort of put her wherever you want and she’ll come back and do anything to please you.
“So I reckon she’ll get over 14, maybe even a mile. But she’s just very brilliant in everything that she does.”