Sparkling Magician Has Sussex Stakes Appeal

Despite the fine success of Ruler Of The World in the Investec Derby at Epsom earlier this month, time might well prove that the Irish 2000 Guineas winner, Magician, turns out to be the best of the Aidan O’Brien-trained three-year-olds this season, a point that fans placing a Glorious Goodwood bet would do well to remember.

When he landed Chester’s Group 3 BetVictor.com Dee Stakes in May over 10 furlongs, the son of Galileo showed a tremendous turn of foot that left his rivals for dead, as he streaked clear inside the final furlong to score by an impressive four lengths from Contributer and Glacial Age.

Some wondered at the wisdom of O’Brien dropping his charge back to a mile for the Irish classic – an unusual move – but there was no mistaking the Ballydoyle maestro’s judgement as Magician turned in a great performance.

Switched off beautifully by Joseph O’Brien through the first half of the classic affair, Magician moved up to stalk the pace-setting Trading Leather before bursting to the front with a blistering change of gear.

He led well over a furlong from home and – with his stamina not in question – came away to win by an easy three-and-a-half lengths from stable companion, Gale Force Ten, who had previously finished a very close fourth in the French 2000 Guineas behind Style Vendome.

Clearly a versatile and high-class colt, Magician has entries in all the top races between a mile and 12 furlongs, but with Dawn Approach well and truly eclipsed at Epsom, there is space now for another top miler to come to the party.

O’Brien’s fast rising star is a lively option in the Glorious Goodwood betting for the Group 1 Qipco Sussex Stakes at the end of July, a contest that could turn out to be one of the very best of the whole 2013 campaign.