Injury scare for leading Aidan O'Brien Oaks fancy Magical
Magical, second favourite for Friday’s Investec Oaks and as short as 4-1 with Ladbrokes, is a late doubt for the fillies’ Classic after picking up a knock while cantering on Tuesday morning.
The daughter of Galileo, who was fourth to Friday’s favourite Wild Illusion in the Prix Marcel Boussac on Arc day at Chantilly last October, was Aidan O’Brien’s leading hope of registering a seventh Oaks success according to the betting, but the trainer’s challenge could be reduced to five following this late scare.
“Magical has a little bit of filling in a joint. We scanned her after finding that, and the scans all came back perfect, so she probably just got a tip on the inside of the joint while cantering,” O’Brien said.
He added: “It’s not ideal for it to happen so close to the race but the scans have came back perfect so, fingers crossed, she’ll be okay to take her chance. We’ll see how she is in the morning and then decide whether she will run.”
The doubt over Magical means O’Brien’s riding arrangements for the Oaks are up in the air and on Tuesday afternoon he was unsure which horse Ryan Moore will ride.
The trainer said: “At this stage I couldn’t tell you what Ryan will ride. We’ll have to see how Magical is in the morning and take it from there.”
O’Brien revealed Magic Wand and Together Forever, first and second in the Cheshire Oaks, will take their chance on Friday, as will Bye Bye Baby, Flattering and I Can Fly.
Athena is set to wait for the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot, while Sizzling will not run.
William Haggas reaffirmed that he would not decide on Sea Of Class's participation in the Oaks until Wednesday morning. He told Racing UK on Tuesday it was "50-50" whether the general 6-1 third favourite lined up.
Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com
Published on inDerby festival
Last updated
Copy- Curragh debut winner with 'plenty of class' according to trainer Aidan O'Brien backed into favourite for 2025 Derby
- Ambiente Friendly 'bouncing' as Epsom runner-up prepares to tackle powerful Aidan O'Brien team in Irish Derby
- Smart View: who are the top-rated runners in the John of Gaunt Stakes according to our revolutionary racecard?
- 'He thinks he’s won the Derby!' - Voyage was first past the post at Epsom but it was a surreal experience for oblivious owner Julie Wood
- Epsom course manager vows to try new ideas to tackle attendances as Derby day crowd falls below recent average
- Curragh debut winner with 'plenty of class' according to trainer Aidan O'Brien backed into favourite for 2025 Derby
- Ambiente Friendly 'bouncing' as Epsom runner-up prepares to tackle powerful Aidan O'Brien team in Irish Derby
- Smart View: who are the top-rated runners in the John of Gaunt Stakes according to our revolutionary racecard?
- 'He thinks he’s won the Derby!' - Voyage was first past the post at Epsom but it was a surreal experience for oblivious owner Julie Wood
- Epsom course manager vows to try new ideas to tackle attendances as Derby day crowd falls below recent average