Al’s Magic Miss was a very expensive yearling purchase and it’s fair to say that as yet she’s yet to provide a return on that investment.

It has been a tough career for her though, seven of her 10 starts have come at black type level.

Despite some solid performances the filly has just struggled to find that winning edge.

There is one exception though, her two first up performances have been hugely impressive, both producing gutsy wins.

Trainer David Payne will be hoping to replicate that first up success this time in as well as he builds what he aims to be a defining autumn carnival.

Al’s Magic Miss will race tomorrow in the Vinery Stud Handicap over 1000m at Warwick Farm with apprentice Chad Schofield given the task of getting her home.

“She has come back well and is much stronger,” Payne said.

“She spelled really good and I’m happy with her.”

Other than her first up wins the best performance to date from Al’s Magic Miss was a dead heat for second in the Listed Heritage Stakes over 1100m last September.

Her forward running style has kept her competitive in most outings though and Payne feels she’s up to the standard of the top horses.

“She’s taken on the best and competed well, so we’ll look for something like the Light Fingers Stakes for her,” he said.

It’s a race he does know how to win, in 2009 he managed to upset hot favourite Samantha Miss with Rock Me Baby.

“I actually beat Samantha Miss twice, once with Rock Me Baby and once with Stripper (in the Sweet Embrace Stakes),” he said.

The Light Fingers Stakes is scheduled for February 18 at Warwick Farm and is being targeted by a host of quality fillies including Group 1 champion Streama.

With that race the main target Payne says Al’s Magic Miss will improve on anything she does tomorrow however she will be produced in a condition to win over the 1000m.