After a tough return to racing, Bjorn Baker is hopeful that a better barrier draw will allow Stefi Magnetica to showcase her true ability in the George Ryder Stakes.

Stefi Magnetica had a luckless run in the Canterbury Stakes (1300m), where she was caught deep from a wide gate, made an early move, and ultimately tired late to finish several lengths behind Royal Patronage.

Baker took some positives from her effort, believing she battled on well despite the circumstances.

“It wasn’t the run we wanted, but she wasn’t beaten a long way,” Baker said.

“She worked strongly on Tuesday, and based on that, we’re confident she can be right in the mix.”

Although she has yet to win past 1400m, Stefi Magnetica has performed well at longer distances. She finished a close fifth in the Golden Eagle (1500m) and backed that up with a strong fourth-place finish behind Mr Brightside in the Champions Mile (1600m).

She is nominated for both the Doncaster Mile and the Queen Of The Turf Stakes, with her performance this weekend set to dictate her next steps.

Meanwhile, James Cummings has confirmed that Tom Kitten will line up in the George Ryder Stakes following his stunning victory over Mr Brightside in the All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington.

Despite drawing wide, the backmarker carries strong Melbourne form into the race. Cummings is aware of the task ahead but remains upbeat.

“He brings a powerful All-Star Mile win into this race, and the horses he faced there were as strong as anything in Sydney,” Cummings said.

“I like that he’s third-up and coming into this fresh. The barrier isn’t ideal, and he’ll need to do some work, but he’s in great order and should be competitive.”