Stradbroke Handicap Ideal for Music Magnate

Bjorn Baker is pleased with the condition of Music Magnate following his debut win at the highest level in Saturday’s Group 1 Doomben 10,000, and is confident the gelding is perfectly set up for further success in the 2016 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 11th.

Bjorn Baker is confident Music Magnate will carry benefit into the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap on Saturday week. Photo: Steve Hart

Bjorn Baker is confident Music Magnate will carry benefit into the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap on Saturday week. Photo: Steve Hart

Music Magnate was rated only an outside chance of success amongst talented company in the Doomben 10,000, but completed an impressive all-round effort with a big turn of foot to find the line a comfortable length ahead of Azkadellia and Charlie Boy.

Baker was understandably thrilled with Music Magnate’s performance for success in the Doomben 10,000, but told Racing Ahead he believes the conditions of the Stradbroke Handicap and Eagle Farm Racecourse will play further into the four-year-old’s strengths.

“I’ve had a great seasons and it was one of the aims to win a Group 1 race,” Baker said.

“He’s got speed so we thought he’d be in the first four or five, as it worked out he ended up getting a lovely run.

“I was confident he was set up for a good run, he’d had a hard race at Scone over 1300m and it held him in good stead for a race like Saturday.

“He’s cemented himself as a very good horse and I think he’s very promising going forward, not only for the Stradbroke but after that as well. So plenty of upside to him.

“I think he’s going to be a super chance in the Stradbroke. As genuine on top of the ground as he is, he’s going to get in with a nice weight at 55.5kgs.

“I think it’s a really good race for him and he’ll be perfectly set up.”

Music Magnate has been a strong and consistent performer for Baker through his entire racing career so far; posting a commendable six wins and five minors through only twelve starts since first appearing on course in late 2014.

Capping a strong spring campaign with consecutive wins in a pair of Sydney races over 1400m, the Written Tycoon gelding returned this time for success in the Group 3 Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) on April 16th; progressing to second in the Listed Luskin Star Stakes (1300m) at Scone in his only other start prior to the Doomben 10,000.

Music Magnate currently rests on the fifth line of early 2016 Stradbroke Handicap betting markets with Ladbrokes Australia, at a quote of $9.

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.