Irish mare Magic Wand is an acceptor for the Group One Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington after her midfield finish in the Melbourne Cup.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained Magic Wand finished 10th of the 24 runners in Tuesday’s $8 million Melbourne Cup over 3200m and connections have paid up for the six-time Group One runner-up to contest Saturday’s weight-for-age Mackinnon Stakes (2000m).
To again be ridden by English jockey Ryan Moore, Magic Wand is among a full field of 16 plus two emergencies for the Mackinnon and has drawn barrier nine.
Star New Zealand mare Melody Belle claimed her 10th Group One win, and first in Australia, in last Saturday’s Empire Rose Stakes and will back up in the Mackinnon Stakes from barrier 16.
Two Japanese horses, Kluger and Suzuka Devious, are in the field with the latter drawing the widest gate while the Chris Waller-trained Night’s Watch has barrier one.
Grand campaigner Hartnell has drawn barrier 14.
The emergencies are Danzdanzdance (barrier 10) and Admiral’s Joker (17).
