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By Ray Hickson

Trainer Bjorn Baker has an air of confidence that his stable star Music Magnate can return from an injury enforced break a winner at Randwick on Saturday.

With a handicap rating of 111, the Group 1 winning sprinter is easily the highest rated horse racing anywhere in Australia this weekend and Baker is expecting him to perform in the Listed $150,000 Christmas Classic (1200m).

Music Magnate has had his last eight starts in either Group 1 or 2 company but has been off the scene since tailing out in the Kingsford-Smith Cup at Eagle Farm in May.

He’s had bone chips removed from both front fetlocks since then and has pleased Baker during a gradual build up to Saturday’s race.

“He has had a long break and we thought we’d get him into the stable and see how he’s going,’’ Baker said.

“He’s trialled really well and he looks good. He’s a class animal on his day and 1200m at Randwick should be right up his alley first-up.

“If he can get back on track that would be nice.’’

The second of Music Magnate's Rosehill trial wins - December 22

Music Magnate has won both his barrier trials, at Rosehill on December 8 and 22, in a preparation that mirrors his return last summer where he easily won the Expressway Stakes in January fresh from a seven month absence.

His first-up record reads five starts for two wins and two seconds so there’s every reason for Baker to be bullish about his credentials.

He concedes Blake Shinn will have to be on his game from a tricky barrier, which he doesn’t mind so much, with a very well earned 61kg to carry.

“He has a bit of weight to contend with but we’re really happy with him,’’ he said.

“He’s done plenty of work, he’s been in the stable for a fair while so he has a good base and I think he has drawn to get a run that suits and be out of trouble.

“He always goes pretty well first-up so I am confident he will run really well. He’s a good horse on his day and he’s not too far off his best.”

The Group 2 Expressway Stakes (1200m) on February 3 is on the radar for Music Magnate’s next start if he comes through his return in good order.

TAB is respecting the gelding’s status as the class runner of the Christmas Classic where he was the clear $3.10 favourite on Thursday morning.

Stablemate Geneteau is considered an outside chance of an overdue win in the ATC Owners Benefit Card Sprint (1200m).

The four-year-old has won only once in 14 starts though was touched out on the line last start at Canterbury after everyone, including Baker, thought she had the race in her keeping.

“She was home everywhere but where it counted,’’ he said.

“She’s a mare that has ability but she sometimes shows it and sometimes doesn’t. If she runs up to her best form she’s an each-way chance.’’

Check out the fields, form and replays for Saturday's Royal Randwick meeting.