In front of a record crowd, Magical Miss gave legendary trainer J.B. "Bart" Cummings his eighth Crown Oaks (Aus-G1) victory and veteran stallion Danehill another major victory on Thursday at Flemington racecourse. Winner of the Vinery Australia Thousand Guineas (Aus-G1) on October 17 but unplaced in the Wakeful Stakes (Aus-G2) on November 3, Magical Miss was and ridden to victory by Steven Arnold. Magical Miss won by lengths from Manang and Li Lo Lill. Final time for the 1 9/16 miles over the good turf course was 2:34.77.

"She could possibly be a weight for age horse next year," Cummings said. "She has good conformation, good quarters, a beautiful sprint, and an ideal pedigree. She could be a Cups contender."

A three-year-old daughter of Danehill, Magical Miss is out of the Spectacular Bid mare Hooked Bid and was sold by Coolmore Stud for approximately $267,800 ($520,000 Australian) at the 2000 William Inglis and Son Ltd. Australian Easter yearling sale.

Danehill, a 15-year-old son of Danzig who shuttles between Coolmore's facilities in Ireland and Australia, is the fourth all-time leading sire of stakes winners with 163. He has sired seven champions, including Fairy King Prawn, Dane Ripper, Danewin, Merlene, Catbird, Sea Dane, and King Quantas. Danehill is also the sire of major winners Tiger Hill, Desert King, Redoute's Choice, Rose of Danehill, Dansili (GB), and Desert Lady (Ire).

Although not a public holiday, the Oaks still attracted a record crowd of 101,210 a record crowd of 101,201 turned out for the program that is part of the Melbourne Cup (Aus-G1) Carnival.—Delamere Usher