Classic Magnus faces her biggest test in Albany’s $100,000 Fitzpatrick Plate on Sunday

In-form galloper Classic Magnus will face her biggest test yet in Sunday’s $100,000 Fitzpatrick Plate (1230m) at Percy Spencer Racecourse.

The first major feature race of the Great Southern season will headline an eight-race program at Albany Racing Club.

Classic Magnus is prepared by Albany trainer Peter Western and comes into the sprint feature race in terrific form, having won four of her past five starts.

The mare won her final start of last season back in May in Albany and then returned from a lengthy spell to win first-up over 1000m.

She then rose in class and won by 1.6 lengths over Athlone Castle over 1100m on November 13 before Western took her to Belmont for a no metro wins conditions race last year.

Classic Magnus was slowly away in the 1000m race but powered to the line late to win by more than a length over Leica Jaguar.

At her most recent start in open company in Albany over 1100m, Classic Magnus was wide throughout when finishing third behind Strathmore Rose.

Western had been impressed by her form which he said warranted a crack at a big feature race.

“She’s been going good,” he said.

“I think 1000m or 1100m has been suiting her better so 1230m could be the issue.

“It was a tough call and whether or not she’s up to the class I really don’t know.

“A few of the better (horses) have dropped away but we are more hopeful than anything.

“It’s a local race, the Plate is in our backyard and it saves a trip up the highway.”

Classic Magnus has drawn poorly in barrier 12 but gets in on the minimum 54.5kg weight and will have the services of in-form apprentice Holly Watson.

“We’ve got a few from Lindsey (Smith) and he potentially reckons she’s the best one he has sent down to us,” Western said.

“Last year she raced well and consistent but she had a nice long break over winter.

“She has matured and developed and this time in, her track rider says she’s a different horse.

“She’s only small but down on the minimum in races she is usually more than competitive.”

Classic Magnus is part of a strong contingent of Albany runners in the Fitzpatrick Plate.

Last year’s winner Kia Ora Star, trained by Roy Rogers, is top weight in the race with 60kg and will be ridden by Chris Nicoll.

The Rogers stable also has Halatorion and Strathmore Rose engaged while Cousin Ivan is an intriguing runner for Annette Crump.

Albany trainer Steve Wolfe has River Rubicon entered for the race with Shaun McGruddy onboard from gate two while other local runners include Wild Fusion, Morgs Freeman, Little Punga, Kohli and Loki.

Vane Tempest, trained by Takahide Ikenushi, will be one of the fancied runners after recently being placed in the listed Jungle Dawn Classic.

The five-year-old mare drew barrier six and has Clint Johnston-Porter aboard.

The Fitzpatrick Plate is set down for 4.55pm and is part of an eight-race program that starts at 1.30pm on Sunday.