Magical to take on the colts in Kentucky
Magical is expected to be given the green light to contest the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Churchill Downs, Kentucky on Nov 3, following her Champions Day heroics.
The Aidan O’brien-trained filly signed off in Europe for the season on the best terms after an injurytruncated campaign.
A solid run in the Prix de l’arc de Triomphe preceded her victory in the British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes, and she is about to take on the colts once more.
“We are thinking she might go to the Turf with Hunting Horn,” said O’brien. “She is in good form since Ascot. She showed at Ascot she gets a mile-and-a-half, but she has not done much since. We were training her for the Oaks, but she had a setback and missed it. It might be a blessing in disguise – she is going into the autumn as a fresh filly.”
Magna Grecia will spearhead a three-pronged attack by O’brien on tomorrow’s Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster.
O’brien has an excellent record in the Group One with eight wins to his name, including Saxon Warrior last year, but he is still behind Sir Henry Cecil’s 10 victories on the roll of honour.
Circus Maximus and Western Australia will join Magna Grecia, who was supplemented earlier in the week, along with Ralph Beckett’s Stormwave – winner of his only start to date.
John Gosden saw Roaring Lion beaten in this last year and sends two: Kick On, in the same Qatar Racing colours, and Turgenev, who was impressive in winning his past two. Phoenix Of Spain runs for Charlie Hills, while Raakib Alhawa will aim to follow up his Newbury debut win.