An in-form jockey and drop in grade were the ingredients to STELLAR MAGIC’s long-awaited return to the winners’ stall at Doomben on Wednesday.
Barrier one presented as a potential obstacle for a backmarker like STELLAR MAGIC, but recently anointed Group 1 winning rider Ben Thompson was able to position her within striking distance after a surprisingly sharp getaway.
The Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted-trained mare travelled strongly on the fence and never went around a horse as the field fanned upon straightening.
The swoopers down the outside section of the straight loomed ominously but STELLAR MAGIC found another gear for Thompson to win the 1100m Class 3 event by half a length and snap a drought going back to October 2021.
Despite the prolonged time between drinks, the 4YO daughter of STAR TURN is stakes placed and now has more than $225,000 to her name from 17 starts.
After being placed to perfection by her co-trainers on Wednesday, a return to Saturday company now awaits STELLAR MAGIC.
She was a $100,000 yearling purchase from Yarraman Park’s draft at the 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
Proven Thoroughbreds winners tally for 2023 has now climbed to 18, equating to a winner every 3.7 days!