Fickle weather fine by Magna Amica

NSW trainer Tracey Bartley isn’t worried if Melbourne’s fickle weather means there’s give in the ground at Flemington next Tuesday.

Bartley will nominate Magna Amica for a 1700 metre event on Melbourne Cup day when the mare will attempt to keep an unbeaten record intact after wins at Tamworth, Hawkesbury and Warwick Farm.

Magna Amica (4m Magnus – Kenny’s Princess by Kenny’s Best Pal) is one of five winners for her dam who died shortly after foaling a Krupt colt in October 2011.

“She’s a real trier and soft ground will suit her down there,” Bartley said.  “She raced three and four wide at Warwick Farm but still stuck her head out on the line.”

2012-13 was a breakthrough season for Magnus.  His NZ stakes winner Platinum Kingdom crossed the Tasman to take the LR South Pacific Stakes in Sydney and G3 Fred Best Stakes in Brisbane.

Missy Cummings won her first three races, culminating in the LR James Carr at Randwick and his highly rated Perth sprinter Magnifisio was also unbeaten in three starts during the Belmont’s winter season.

Brilliant filly Prettyhappyaboutit finished 2012-13 with a command performance to win the LR Lightning Stakes at Morphettville.

Magnus (Flying Spur) is half-brother to the dam of Black Caviar and All Too Hard and he won the G1 The Galaxy before retiring to Eliza Park.  He is currently covering a sixth book for a $13,200 (inc gst) fee.

– Karl Patterson