A talented field has assembled for the 2025 Canterbury Stakes at Randwick, with Grahame Begg‘s mare Magic Time leading the charge.

Magic Time is tipped to win the second Group 1 in Sydney on Saturday as narrow favourite in the Canterbury Stakes 2025. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

The five-year-old Hellbent mare, fresh off a Group 2 Expressway Stakes victory, is aiming for her second Group 1 success in the $750,000 race.

Magic Time’s strong Randwick record (7:3-1-2) makes her a formidable contender.

The Expressway Stakes form has historically been a reliable guide, with Savatiano being the last to complete the double in 2021.

Magic Time, ridden by Jordan Childs, is currently the favourite at $4.60 in Canterbury Stakes betting at Ladbrokes.

“Last start winners haver saluted in the Canterbury Stakes six times between 2011 – 2024 including Savatiano (2021) who was the last to do the Expressway Stakes / Canterbury Stakes double,” a racing analyst from Races.com.au reported.

“The money is now on Magic Time to be the next and become the fourth mare in six years to beat home the boys in the Canterbury Stakes results as she sits top of the odds at $4.60 through Ladbrokes drawn barrier six for jockey Jordan Childs.”

Chris Waller‘s three-year-old colt Switzerland is the second elect at Canterbury Stakes odds of $4.80 through Ladbrokes.

James McDonald, who has a strong record in the race, will ride Switzerland.

The colt, who won the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes last November, is looking to improve on his fourth-place finish in the Black Caviar Lightning.

McDonald rode Holler for his success and also won the year prior on Cosmic Endeavour (2015).

He has plenty of experience on this gun youngster including partnering him to success in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes last November during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

J-Mac was also aboard for Switzerland’s resuming run where the up-and-comer finished fourth behind Skybird in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) at Flemington.

Back in Sydney where he boasts a flawless three-from-three Randwick track record he is set to improve and appreciate getting up to the six furlongs fitter now and ready to take them on again.

Here To Shock ($7), trained by Ben, Will & JD Hayes, is another key contender, having won four of his last five starts.

He recently won the Group 1 BCD Group Sprint in New Zealand.

Sunshine In Paris ($7), trained by Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald, is also highly regarded.

The mare, who won the Group 1 Champions Sprint last spring, is making her first start of the autumn.

Ceolwulf ($7.50), trained by Joe Pride, could represent good value.

The colt, who was scratched from the Verry Elleegant Stakes, is expected to appreciate the drop in distance.

His recent fourth-place finish in the Apollo Stakes suggests he’s in good form.

“Ceolwulf drawn the rails could prove the value at current Canterbury Stakes odds of $7.50 dropping back in distance for his rescheduled second-up run after he was withdrawn from last weekend’s Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes where he no doubt would have been competitive,” a racing analyst said.

“Fresh he was fourth in the Group 2 Apollo only 1.45 lengths beaten and that form was well and truly franked last Saturday with the same three Waller gallopers running the Group 1 trifecta in the race this Tavistock horse scratched from.

“While it is never ideal to miss a run, trainer Joe Pride is confident the horse is back to his peak and this is an easier assignment than what he would have faced behind Via Sistina a week prior.

“A two-time Group 1 winner over the mile here in the spring, Ceolwulf gets the rails run and there’s money for him to salute,”

Stefi Magnetica ($8.50), trained by Bjorn Baker, completes the list of single-figure contenders.

The mare, who won the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap last winter, is also making her first start of the autumn.

The 2025 Canterbury Stakes promises to be a competitive race, with a strong field of contenders vying for victory in Randwick Race 8.

2025 Canterbury Stakes Field

Table Credit: Racing Australia.

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