Magic denies British raiders at Baden-Baden

Report: Germany, Sunday
Baden-Baden: Grosser Mercedes-Benz Preis Von Baden, (Group 1) 1m4f, 3yo+

NIGHT MAGIC (Wolfgang Figge/Filip Minarik) came from last to first land a first prize of over £130,000 in the feature race at Baden-Baden on Sunday.

A brave second to the Mark Johnston-trained Lady Jane Digby in a Group 1 at Munich on her last start, Night Magic went one better in scintillating fashion, quickening past all six of her rivals for a decisive victory.

Winning jockey Filip Minarik only came in for the ride on Night Magic after Figge's stable jockey Karoly Kerekes injured his ankle earlier in the week.

Godolphin's Cavalryman was sent-off a warm order under Frankie Dettori, but was caught a little flat-footed as the pace quickened rounding the home turn and could only plug on at the one pace to take third.

This was the second Group 1 win for Night Magic, following her victory in the German Oaks last year. She also landed a Group 2 at Hoppegarten in June and is clearly a very capable filly on her day.

The winning trainer was unsure about future plans for Night Magic, he said: "The Preis Von Europa in Cologne in three weeks time is a possibility and we are also considering races in Japan for her later on."

Ecstatic owner Hans-Gerd Wernicke added; "This is a very moving moment for me as the filly is very close to myheart. As a breeder also, I'm looking to the future and would like to keep her here as part of the German Breeding Industry."

Filip Minarik was equally upbeat after his very rewarding spare ride, saying: "I won this race four years ago on Prince Flori, but this filly is in a different league to him."

German raider Quijano stayed on best of the remainder to take second close home, while the Michael Bell-trained Allied Powers was unable to land a blow in the 1m4f contest. 

A disappointed Frankie Dettori felt Cavalryman had performed below par. He said: "I can't understand the run of Cavalryman. He didn't run to his ability and I don't know of any obvious reason for that."