Magnaspin shines on Boxing Day at Sandown | Just horse racing

The stable of Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin are banking on a return to Sandown and bringing out the best from Magnaspin.

While the six-year-old has yet to race at the Sandown Lakeside circuit, Magnaspin has had three starts at the Hillside circuit, taking two wins and a third.

Magnaspin heads to Sandown, at the Lakeside course, on Friday to contest the Listed Lord Stakes (1600m).

It will be the gelding’s third run after a spell and Larkin expects Magnaspin to be just about at his peak before Friday’s competition.

Magnaspin started his campaign finishing a comfortable sixth in the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on 29 November, before finishing sixth behind Persian Spirit in the VOBIS Gold Bullion (1400m) at Pakenham on 13 December.

Larkin said Magnaspin had made valuable progress during that outing and he was looking forward to the gelding stepping up to Sandown again.

“He came out of that last run really well and moving up to the mile, third place, he should be ready to improve,” Larkin said.

“He really likes Sandown and has a real affinity with the circuit. He has won a few races there and in the last preparation he won a nice race there.”

Larkin said Magnaspin was given a little more time in the paddock to recover from a winter campaign with the intention of racing him in the summer.

“He’s a horse who has slowed down a bit this time because we’ve given him a bit of a longer spell and after the two runs his fitness should be there now,” Larkin said.

“It will be a tough race, but on his day he will definitely be ready.”

The team of Corstens and Larkin have enlisted apprentice Luke Cartwright for the ride on Friday.

Cartwright completed a double at Caulfield Heath last Saturday, while he added to his tally of winners with victory at Mornington on Tuesday.

*Existing customers only. 2nd racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Responsible gambling.