Music Magnate Scores Narrow Win in Hall Mark Stakes

In a desperately close finish to the A$150,000 Group 3 Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday, Karaka graduate Music Magnate (NZ) (Written Tycoon) prevailed by a nose to set up a trip to the Brisbane winter carnival.

Ridden by Brenton Avdulla for expat Kiwi trainer Bjorn Baker, Music Magnate fought back when tackled by the fast-finishing Knoydart (More Than Ready) and the pair crossed the line side by side. After a tense wait that lasted several minutes, the race was awarded to Music Magnate by the smallest of margins.

“First-up over 1200 metres, it was a big effort,” Avdulla said.

A son of the Danehill Dancer mare Concert Girl, Music Magnate was bred by NZ Thoroughbred Holdings Limited. He was offered at the 2013 Select Sale by Westbury Stud, where he sold to Baker to $45,000.

Music Magnate has now won five of his 10 starts and A$317,125 in prize-money.

Brenton Le Grand, from the syndicator Cobbity Lodge which part-owns the gelding, said Music Magnate is now likely to head to Brisbane and may target the A$2 million Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm.

“He's done a great job already,” Le Grand said. “Hopefully Brisbane will be even better.”