Egyptian Symbol Wears The Crown at Last

Mark Smith - Saturday January 12

Third in the Magic Millions Guineas at three, sixth in the Magic Millions Fillies and Mares at four and third in the Magic Millions Sprint at five, the Bjorn Baker-trained Egyptian Symbol made her fourth trip to the Magic Millions race day count when powering home from the rear of the field to win Saturday's $1,00,000 Magic Millions Snippets Sprint (1200m).

With Jason Collett in the saddle, Egyptian Symbol's hopes looked forlorn turning into the straight but the race changed complexion in the space of 50 metres as the leaders weakened and the backmarkers came into play.

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The 6yo daughter of Stratum defeated Fiery Heights (Hidden Dragon) by three-quarter of a length with Dothraki (Mossman) a nose back in third. (photo Steve Hart )


"She's been a great mare and has got a great pedigree. All credit to (owner/breeder) Bruce Neill, I bought a lovely filly off him at the sales that I need owners for, so that's why we are back every year," Baker said.

"I love coming here. It's a very special time of year for me at the Magic Millions.

"It's great to see this mare do it. She's always had the ability. We stay with Michael Costa every year and he's been great to us.

"What happens when you have them for a long time you live and learn, so as a trainer there are many ways to skin a cat and we have finally realised that first-up and fresh is the best way to go. It's not rocket science but we got it right today."

Bred by Bruce Neill's Cressfield Stud, Egyptian Symbol races in the colours of her breeder after failing to make her $100,000 reserve at the2014, Magic Millions National Yearling Sale.

The daughter of the deceased Stratum advances her record to 8 wins, 5 seconds and 5 thirds from 29 starts with earnings of $1,494,355.

She is the best of five winners from Our Egyptian Raine, a Group I winner in New Zealand, who placed in nine Group I races in Australia.

Purchased at the 2006 Inglis Easter Broodmare Sale for $900,000, Our Egyptian Raine has a 2yo filly foal by Smart Missile named Egyptian Missile who was purchased by Baker for $240,000 at the 2018 Magic Millions Yearling Sale.

She has a yearling filly by Hinchinbrook and a colt foal by All Too Hard. She was covered by Headwater in November.

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