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Magical holds off Classic heroes in Alleged Stakes for O'Brien and Moore

Magical (Ryan Moore) wins the Fillies and Mares stakesAscot 20.10.18 Pic: Edward Whitaker
Magical: impressive winner of the Alleged Stakes at Naas on her comebackCredit: Edward Whitaker

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Magical produced a performance akin to her name to account of a smart field on her seasonal return in the Alleged Stakes at Naas in impressive style under Ryan Moore.

Irish St Leger hero Flag Of Honour was on the front end for much of the 1m2f contest and shaped well to complete an O'Brien one-two in second, with Irish Derby scorer Latrobe staying on into third.

O'Brien said: "You'd have to be delighted with that performance. It was a lovely way to start her season and Ryan [Moore] said she did everything easily.

"She could go for the Prix Ganay or the Mooresbridge Stakes next and then on to the Tattersalls Gold Cup. We've never been as happy with her at this stage of the season as we are this year."

Betfair reacted to the display by clipping Magical into 9-2 (from 7) for the Coronation Cup at Epsom.

Verdana Blue hoses up in Scottish Champion

Verdana Blue ran out an emphatic winner of the Scottish Champion Hurdle under 7lb claimer Connor Brace for trainer Nicky Henderson, who withdrew Mister Fisher from the race at the 11th hour.

The mare cruised into contention to take the lead from the front-running Leoncavallo approaching the last and stormed clear with Dino Velvet keeping on for second and Equus Amadeus in third.

"Nicky filled me with confidence before the race," said Brace. "He just said to ride her like she's the best horse and she was!"

Dandhu just edges out Iconic Choice to land Fred Darling

Dandhu just held the fast-finishing Iconic Choice to provide a big-race winner for David Elsworth and Gerald Mosse in the Fred Darling at Newbury.

Iconic Choice made a rattling late burst under Richard Kingscote but could not quite reach the daughter of Dandy Man. So Perfect, the representative of Aidan O'Brien and Wayne Lordan, was third.

Paddy Power cut the winner into 10-1 (from 16-1) for the Qipco 1,000 Guineas.

Imaging picture-perfect in Gladness Stakes

The progressive Imaging continued the golden recent run of the Dermot Weld stable to score a fine victory for Oisin Orr in the Gladness Stakes at Naas.

The Joseph O'Brien-trained three-year-old No Needs Never travelled strongly as the race unfolded but was outstayed by the winner in second, with former Jersey Stakes hero Le Brivido completing the places on his first start for Aidan O'Brien.


This race report is being updated and more news will follow shortly.


Published on 13 April 2019inReports

Last updated 09:47, 14 April 2019

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