Expectations high as smart prospect Magic J looks to sparkle in Classic campaign

3.20 Newcastle
Ladbrokes Burradon Stakes | Listed | 1m | 3yo | ITV4/SKY

The exciting Magic J could emerge as a live 2,000 Guineas contender as the Ed Vaughan-trained colt takes on a competitive field in the Ladbrokes Burradon Stakes (3.20).

The son of Scat Daddy showed a smart turn of foot to strike on his debut at Yarmouth in September, but has not run since and missed his intended comeback in the Greenham due to the ground.

Phoenix Thoroughbreds won this a year ago with subsequent Dubai World Cup runner-up Gronkowski and a big future is expected of Magic J, who is a general 50-1 chance for the 2,000 Guineas.

Vaughan said: "We couldn't have been happier after his first run. He's pleased us at home, shows a lot of speed and works like a proper horse, but he's only raced once and we need to get some experience and see where we are with him.

"In an ideal world we wanted to start at seven furlongs but we couldn't run in the Greenham due to the ground. This is a fact-finding mission and he might end up going back in trip because he shows a lot of pace at home."

The Bryan Smart-trained Antagonize is another heading into the race with an unbeaten record. The son of Epaulette won here on debut before following up at Redcar.

Antagonize: two from two for Bryan SmartCredit: John Grossick (racingpost/photos.com)

Smart said: "We'll find out whether he gets the mile or not and we can make a plan for the rest of the year. I'm really happy with him, he looks fabulous. It's a hot race with good prize-money, but we do like him."

Daarik represents John Gosden and could head the market having enjoyed back-to-back wins on the all-weather.

Gosden said: "Daarik has winning form at the track over six furlongs where he took a little time to get going so should enjoy the step up in trip. He has since won over seven under a penalty at Kempton and has a progressive profile."

Group 3-winning juvenile Marie's Diamond sets the form standard, while smart prospects Bayroot, Ebury and Creationist also feature.

Newcastle also stages the valuable 1m4½f Betway Live Casino Handicap, where Royal Ascot winner Baghdad makes his return for Mark Johnston (3.55).

The four-year-old son of Frankel narrowly defeated Corgi and First Eleven in the 2018 King George V Stakes, with subsequent Melbourne Cup hero Cross Counter in fourth.

Shailene looks a type who could progress again this season after running with credit in Listed company on her penultimate start and makes her return for Andrew Balding.

Balding said of the four-year-old, who is two from three on the all-weather: "She was disappointing at Chester on her last start but her work has been good, although it looks a competitive race. I hope she will be in the mix."

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