The availability of feature race options in Melbourne and Sydney is being used to advantage by Grahame Begg as he endeavours to keep classy mares Magic Time and C’Est Magique apart.

C’est Magique will run at Flemington on Saturday in the Gilgai Stakes (1100m), while Magic Time has already arrived in Sydney for her next assignment in the Group 3 The Nivison (1200m) at Rosehill this weekend.

Begg believes the programming of lucrative races in both cities is “diluting” the talent pool, but while he has a couple of quality mares on his books, he is hoping to capitalise.

It is with that mindset that Begg has brought Magic Time back to Sydney where her main aim will be the $2 million The Invitation (1400m) at Randwick on October 28, while C’est Magique will campaign in Victoria.

“She’s gone up to run in the Nivison and then three weeks into The Invitation,” Begg said of Magic Time.

“She has settled in well, so she runs this week and Nash Rawiller is booked to ride her. Her (regular jockey) Jordan (Childs) wanted to stay here.”

Magic Time is no stranger to Sydney, winning the Group 3 P J Bell Stakes (1200m) at Randwick in the autumn and finishing third to Olentia in the James H B Carr Stakes (1400m) at the same venue.

She tackles Saturday’s Nivison second-up after finishing fifth to Asfoora in The Heath (1100m) at Caulfield, that horse subsequently franking the form with a brave second to Imperatriz in the Group 1 Moir Stakes on Friday.

Magic Time has drawn barrier nine of 14 in The Nivision, which has attracted a handy field led by Group 1 Goodwood winner Royal Merchant and in-form mare Parisal for James Cummings.