Racing: Magnetism attracts right kind of interest

At the end of the last racing season if you'd said Magnetism would go through to nearly Christmas without winning his next race you'd have been laughed at.

That's very much the case, but things could all change in tomorrow's $50,000 Great Northern Challenge Stakes at Ellerslie.

If you had doubts Magnetism was finally coming back to his best they were extinguished when he flashed home late to push the in-form Millennium to a long-head decision at weight-for-age at Tauranga last start.

Magnetism had trouble working clear of the heels of Millennium at Tauranga, having to wait until Sedecrem on his outer dropped away sufficiently to be able to angle out.

Had Magnetism had a fair crack or had the race been run at Ellerslie with its longer home straight, you could strongly argue the result would have been reversed.

If Magnetism needed an added advantage it arrived with the news that showers were predicted for late yesterday and late this afternoon.

With the Ellerslie surface rating 2.3 yesterday, the showers should provide the added cushion Magnetism prefers.

"He doesn't need much, but he's better when there is a little moisture around," said trainer Ralph Manning.

Rick Williams, who manages Magnetism for his Australian owner, believes the high-class performer is finally back to his best.

"As everyone is aware we've had a few issues with the horse, but I'm pretty sure we've got through them now," said Williams.

"I watched him work on Monday morning and I believe it's his best work all year.

"If it doesn't happen this week, it's probably not going to happen this preparation."

Millennium is unquestionably the horse to beat.

His form has been outstanding and, these days, it does not appear to affect him which way the weather swings.

For a horse who early in his career could perform only on badly rain-affected tracks, he now does a remarkable job on firm surfaces.

At Tauranga Millennium led, but he is equally comfortable trailing the speed.

Trainer Richard Yuill declared Sedecrem would improve significantly as a result of running in the Millennium race at Tauranga.

He did well to be only one length away from the winner in fourth place after sitting outside the leader and if he's improved one length then he's in this race right up to his ears.

These three dominate the race.

If there was one other to consider for the trifecta it has to be Cambridge mare Bridie Belle.

She has turned in useful efforts in three starts on firm footing this preparation, the key to her chances here being if the showers deaden the footing.

Bridie Belle's best form has been when the footing is yielding. She has looked good when conditions suit.

CHALLENGE ON

* Millennium beat Magnetism at Tauranga last start, but the result could be reversed at Ellerslie tomorrow.

* The trouble-plagued Magnetism was a fraction late working clear on that occasion and finished strongly to be beaten narrowly.

* Showers in Auckland will aid his cause.