Magnus mare Magnifisio is back on track to defend her crown in the $1 million Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) after sale negotiations were shelved this week.

Managing owner Alan MacAlister waited until Wednesday for a firm offer and, when that deadline passed, he sent her to Vaughn Sigley’s stable to start another campaign.

“Originally, Japan was interested,” MacAlister told TABForm’s Robert Edwards. “As people heard about her being available, more bloodstock agents rang up.  She was for sale if the price was right.”

News that Perth’s top sprinter is heading for the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot on November 21 will be welcomed at Eliza Park International where they stand Magnus for a $17,600 (inc gst) service fee.

Magnifisio was his chief earner with $665,100 in 2014-15 and, more than any other galloper, she helped Magnus edge out fellow up-and-comer Written Tycoon for third spot on the Victorian sires’ premiership.

In a post-Bel Esprit landscape, it will be an absorbing contest between Magnus and Written Tycoon as they wrest for control in Victoria.

MAGNIFISIO