Breeders' Cup winner Magnum Force and Norfolk favourite Charles Darwin add intrigue to sparkling Naas card

The rapid Magnum Force makes his first appearance since he dazzled at Del Mar when landing the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint in November. 

Now rated 112, Magnum Force is the highest-rated runner in the Listed Sole Power Sprint Stakes (5.03) but faces some high-quality opponents, notably Group 1-winning juvenile Bucanero Fuerte. 

The new kid on the sprinting block could be Powerful Nation. He was very nippy as a two-year-old and looks just the type to progress as a sprinter this season. Andy Slattery has never hidden his admiration for the speedy son of Sioux Nation, who has a head to find with the reopposing Ostraka from their clash at Dundalk in October. 

The evergreen eight-year-old Big Gossey makes his 74th appearance and recent evidence suggests he is better than ever. 

Aidan O'Brien is ken to get another run into Charles Darwin before heading to Royal AscotCredit: Patrick McCann

While Big Gossey is in the twilight of his career, Charles Darwin is only beginning his and he bids to book his Royal Ascot ticket in the opening Coolmore Stud The Antarctic Race (1.30), a contest Aidan O'Brien has won for the last three years in a row with Treasure Isle (2024), River Tiber (2023) and The Antarctic (2022). 

Charles Darwin is 7-2 favourite for the Norfolk Stakes on the back of his wide-margin Navan maiden win and could get even shorter should he land this in style. 

O'Brien said: "We were delighted with him at Navan and wanted to give him one more run before Ascot. We think the experience will do him good. He's a nice colt who we have always liked."

The Listed Owenstown Stud Stakes (2.32) has been won by Ger Lyons in two of the last three years and he is represented by course maiden winner One Smack Mac in an attempt to make that three in four. 

The durable Dunum is now seven, but he ran a huge race in the Ahonoora Handicap at the Galway summer festival last year and this is his optimum trip. 

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