Stratum Mare Claims Magic Glory at Last

Third in the Magic Millions Guineas at three, sixth in the Magic Millions Fillies and Mares at four and third in the Magic Millions Sprint at five, the Bjorn Baker-trained Egyptian Symbol made her fourth trip to the Magic Millions race day count when powering home from the rear of the field to win Saturday’s $1,00,000 Magic Millions Snippets Sprint (1200m).

With Jason Collett in the saddle, Egyptian Symbol’s hopes looked forlorn turning into the straight but the race changed complexion in the space of 50 metres as the leaders weakened and the backmarkers came into play.

The 6yo daughter of Stratum defeated Fiery Heights by three-quarter of a length.

“She’s been a great mare and has got a great pedigree. All credit to (owner/breeder) Bruce Neill, I bought a lovely filly off him at the sales that I need owners for, so that’s why we are back every year,” Baker said.

“I love coming here. It’s a very special time of year for me at the Magic Millions.

“It’s great to see this mare do it. She’s always had the ability. We stay with Michael Costa every year and he’s been great to us.

“What happens when you have them for a long time you live and learn, so as a trainer there are many ways to skin a cat and we have finally realised that first-up and fresh is the best way to go. It’s not rocket science but we got it right today.”

Bred by Bruce Neill’s Cressfield Stud, Egyptian Symbol races in the colours of her breeder after failing to make her $100,000 reserve at the2014, Magic Millions National Yearling Sale.

A star performer for the late Stratum, she advances her record to eight wins and 10 placings from 29 starts with earnings of $1,494,355.

She is the best of five winners from Our Egyptian Raine, a Group I winner in New Zealand, who placed in nine Group I races in Australia.