Music Magnate hits right note in sprint

Jockey Brenton Avdulla thought Music Magnate had been beaten in the Hall Mark Stakes.

How happy he was to be wrong.

Music Magnate's head bobbed to fend off the fast-finishing Knoydart and win the Group Three race at Randwick on Saturday.

The judge took his time separating the pair and connections roared when Music Magnate's number appeared in the frame.

Fast 'N' Rocking finished third.

After the win, Music Magnate was rated a $12 chance for the Group One Stradbroke Handicap.

Avdulla believes he is starting to show he can win at the top level.

"First-up over 1200 metres it was a big effort," Avdulla said.

"He's run against Good Project and things that have had Group One form but not seasoned horses like that first-up."

Cobbitty Lodge's Brenton Le Grand, whose organisation syndicated part of the horse's ownership, said had done a great job to return to the track in winning form.

"He had an operation after the last prep and he seems to be moving a lot more freely now," Le Grand said.

Music Magnate was a $45,000 yearling from New Zealand.

"He's done a great job already. Hopefully Brisbane will be even better," Le Grand said.

Trainer Bjorn Baker said he wasn't confident coming into the race but was delighted with the first-up effort.

"Last time he didn't really peak until third and fourth-up," Baker said.

"He's got a heap of improvement."