The winner of the Magic Night Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday will secure a coveted spot in the Golden Slipper, and trainer John Sargent is hopeful that his improving filly, Autumn Blonde, can seize the opportunity.
Autumn Blonde, a daughter of The Autumn Sun, began her career with a solid third-place finish at Canterbury, behind the eventual Reisling Stakes runner-up Marhoona. Her next outing saw her finish a respectable fourth, just a length off the talented Within The Law, in the Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m).
Sargent has been particularly encouraged by her most recent performance, where she was caught three-wide and hampered but still managed to finish strongly. With a favorable draw in Saturday’s race, he expects Autumn Blonde to feature prominently in the finish.
“Her last run was tough. She was caught three-wide and got hampered up the straight, but she still hit the line very well,” Sargent explained.
“She seems to have improved since then, and I’m hopeful that the better draw will help us get a smoother run on Saturday.
“She’s shown a lot at home. Mentally, she just needed to mature, and it looks like she’s doing that.”
Regan Bayliss, who rode Autumn Blonde at Canterbury, will partner her again in the Magic Night Stakes, where she’s priced at $9.50.
If Autumn Blonde wins, she will qualify for next Saturday’s Golden Slipper, and Sargent is confident she can handle the quick turnaround if she pulls up well.
“She’d go to the Slipper if she pulls up well,” Sargent added.
“Her work has been good, and Regan knows her well from Canterbury. I’m expecting a very nice run from her on Saturday.”
The Magic Night Stakes (1200m) will feature 14 fillies, with the impressive debut winner Strada Varenna installed as the $3.40 favorite, just ahead of Inglis Millennium placegetter Artistic Venture at $3.90.
The last filly to win both the Magic Night Stakes and Golden Slipper was Kiamichi in 2019.
Meanwhile, the Pago Pago Stakes (1200m) for colts and geldings will have 12 runners, with Hawkes Racing’s West Of Swindon the $2.90 favorite.
