Bjorn Baker’s Group 1-winning mare Stefi Magnetica ($3.90) bounced back from a minor setback in stunning style, storming home to claim the $2 million Group 2 The Invitation at Randwick.
After settling near the tail, Jason Collett guided the daughter of All Too Hard to the outside before launching late to run down Gerringong ($14) by a neck, with Gangsta Granny ($9) another half-length away in third.
The victory took Stefi Magnetica’s career earnings past the $7 million mark and brought some timely relief for Baker during Sydney’s tough spring carnival.
“I thought if we didn’t have this setback the King Charles III Stakes last week was the ideal race for her,” Baker said.
“I didn’t have any confidence coming in today off a little bit of a setback, and she was great.
“I can’t win a race during this carnival, I’ve had seconds, thirds, fourths, fifths, so it’s a big relief. I had Overpass run a gallant fourth last week (in The Everest).
“It’s hard to win races this time of year, you need a very special horse and a special team behind you and I’m lucky to have both.”
Collett admitted he shared some pre-race concerns after the interrupted preparation but said they quickly vanished once the mare found her rhythm.
“There was a bit of a worry about fitness coming into it off the setback she had, but that was great,” Collett said.
“She’s just electric when you get her back and let that tempo unfold in front.
“Just letting her get into that rhythm is so important too.”
Looking ahead, Baker hinted at a potential showdown with familiar rivals in the Champions Mile at Flemington.
“We won’t back up, maybe we’ll go to the Champions Mile and take on a couple of our old sparring partners,” Baker said with a grin.
“Nothing like good competition, we love good competition.”
Stefi Magnetica currently shares the fourth line of betting at $8 for the Champions Mile on November 8.
Fans keen to back Stefi Magnetica in the Champions Mile can find the best odds at trusted Australian betting sites like Sportsbet, Ladbrokes and TAB.