Trainer Grahame Begg admits he has a decision to make with star mare Magic Time after her impressive return in the Group 3 Cockram Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.

Producing a powerful late surge, the $3.90 favourite stormed home under Michael Dee to defeat Miss Roumbini ($6) by three-quarters of a length, with Abounding ($17) close up in third. Begg was delighted with the performance, especially given the mare is still working her way into peak condition.

“She might be outweighed in the Rupert Clarke. She was a 112-rater going into today’s race, so we’ll have to work that out in the next few weeks, but there’s no hurry to run her,” Begg said. “This mare still has a good deal of improvement to come. Her coat is still nowhere near right yet… the stimulation of a race day will bring her on greatly.”

The initial target was the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) on September 20, which she won last year, but Begg is now considering Sydney options. “There are options in Sydney as well, so we’ll work it out.”

Begg praised Dee’s composure. “He showed patience. He had her in a good rhythm. He trusted her ability and got her over the line.”

Dee, who was back aboard after Jordan Childs partnered Magic Time last prep, was thrilled to reunite. “I’ve had good success aboard her, and I’m lucky enough to get back aboard her this prep. They went a bit quick for her and she was struggling a little bit early. I was able to get to the outside in that three-wide line which she more or less prefers, and we saw that good turn of foot that she’s always got.”