Change of plan keeps Magnatear in Shannon Stakes mix

Trainers Richard and Will Freedman have reversed their initial decision and will run seven-year-old gelding Magnatear in the Shannon Stakes this weekend. The updated campaign will see Magnatear contest the Shannon Stakes and the Alan Brown Stakes before targeting the $3 million Big Dance at Randwick on Melbourne Cup day.

Will Freedman explained the additional run aims to ensure the horse is at peak fitness rather than risking him being underdone. Magnatear qualified for the Big Dance by winning the Muswellbrook Cup in March and recently finished second in the Theo Marks Stakes.