Trainer Daniel Bowman can’t see why his rejuvenated stayer Magnapal can’t cause another upset win in Saturday’s Group 3 $150,000 Bendigo Bank East Malvern MRC Foundation Cup (Naturalism Stakes) (2000m) at Caulfield.

Magnapal, above in light blue and white colours, is at long odds for the Naturalism Stakes at Caulfield. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

Magnapal was well in the market when he won the 2015 Naturalism Stakes for trainers Terry and Karina O’Sullivan but had been out of the winner’s stall until arriving last start at $21 to win the $120,000 LF Sign Group Handicap (2040m) at The Valley on September 9.

The winner of the 2017 Naturalism Stakes is exempt from the ballot for the Group 1 $3.15m BMW Caulfield Cup (2400m) at Caulfield on October 21 but that is the furthest thing from Bowman’s mind as the eight year old is not nominated in the 2017 Spring Carnival’s 2400m feature staying race.

Magnapal has drawn midfield at barrier eight in the sixteen horse field and is marked as a $26 chance for the Naturalism Stakes at Ladbrokes.com.au with Nikita Berriman in the saddle again and a win on Saturday would dash the hopes of several runners who could gain an automatic Caulfield Cup spot with a win.

Bowman is happy with the way Magnapal has come through his last start win and expects another bold showing from the veteran galloper.

“We’re rapt with how he came through his last start,” Bowman told AAP.

“He bounced out of that run like he had not gone around, so I’m really excited about Saturday.

“He’s drawn a good gate and should land in a good spot and have a good chance.”

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained Stampede heads up the market order for the Naturalism Stakes at $4.60 at Ladbrokes.com.au just ahead of Mick Kent’s Abbey Marie at $6 and the first of Darren Weir’s three runners Amelie’s Star at $6.50.