Magpie Hector had a look at The Meadows ahead of next weekend’s Group 1 Topgun Stayers (730m), impressing trainer Jack Smith in a solo trial on Monday.

The star stayer stepped out over 525 metres, stopping the clock in a best-of-the-day 29.87 seconds, with an early split of 5.28 and a run home of 11.94.

“He is jumping out of his skin, and I am very happy with the trial,” Smith said.

Smith is now eyeing one final race start for Magpie Hector this weekend to round out his preparations for the Group 1 invitational.

Widely regarded as the premier stayer in the country, Magpie Hector is a likely starter in the Topgun Stayers, with the field to be revealed live on SEN Track’s Giddy Up with Gareth Hall this Thursday.

The build-up continues at The Meadows on Wednesday night, with defending Topgun Stayers champion Without A Trace and Queensland star Beautiful Child set to trial between races.

The Group 1 Topgun and Topgun Stayers will launch the 2026 Sportsbet Dream Chasers Festival at The Meadows on Saturday, November 7.