Breakout: Doncaster winner Stefi Magnetica has overcome a chequered campaign to take out the $2 million Group 2 The Invitation.
A setback had forced Bjorn Baker to reassess the preparation of his Group 1 winning mare Stefi Magnetica ($3.90), but the daughter of All Too Hard showed she was back to her best with a stirring win in the $2 million Group 2 The Invitation.
After settling in the back half of the field, she was allowed to work her way to the outside of the famous Randwick straight under the urgings of rider Jason Collett and run down Gerringong ($14) by a neck. Gangsta Granny ($9) was a further half-length back in third place.
The win brought the five-year-old's career prize money tally over the $7 million mark and Baker was pleased to get a key victory at this time of year.
"I thought if we didn't have this setback the King Charles last week was the ideal race for her," Baker said.
"I didn't have any confidence coming in today off a little bit of a setback, and she was great.
"I can't win a race during this carnival, I've had seconds, thirds, fourths, fifths, so it's a big relief. I had Overpass run a gallant fourth last week (in The Everest).
"It's hard to win races this time of year, you need a very special horse and a special team behind you and I'm lucky to have both."
Hoop Collett also had some concerns coming into the event, but that soon disappeared during the run.
"There was a bit of a worry about fitness coming into it off the setback she had, but that was great," Collett said.
"She's just electric when you get her back and let that tempo unfold in front.
"Just letting her get into that rhythm is so important too."
As to what's next for the Baker mare, he was keen to rekindle some old relationships.
"We won't back up, maybe we'll go to the Champions Mile and take on a couple of our old sparring partners," Baker said with a grin.
"Nothing like good competition, we love good competition."
Stefi Magnetica currently sits on the equal fourth line of betting at $8 for the Champions Mile on November 8.
