By Tom Frary
Godolphin's productive weekend continued here, with Stage Magic pulling another rabbit out of the hat for the organisation by getting the better of TDN Rising Star Olmedo. Having beaten the subsequently listed-placed Albishr (Ire) (Clodovil {Ire}) by 4 1/2 lengths on debut over seven furlongs at Newbury July 21, the bay was a short-head second in the Listed Criterium du FEE over a mile at Deauville Aug. 19 and was placed in front from the outset by James Doyle keen to utilise his mount's knowledge. With Cristian Demuro keen to obtain cover on the 3-5 favourite Olmedo from his wide draw, he had to sit in rear which gave the upper hand to the leader on easy ground which was against the Rouget runner. Stage Magic was tackled and headed by Zyzzyva with over a furlong remaining as Olmedo tried to get organised on the outside, but the Godolphin representative battled gamely against the rail to retrieve the advantage. As Zyzzyva gave best 75 metres from the line, Olmedo found a surge but it was too late for the market leader.
Charlie Appleby was a happy trainer afterwards as he reflected on his stable's strength in depth among its juveniles. “This horse had good experience and loved the ground and maybe that made a little bit of difference today,” he said. “We might have something better for the [Oct. 1 G1] Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere–maybe Masar who won the Solario yesterday–so we'll see and make a decision about this colt in time.” Olmedo's trainer Jean-Claude Rouget said, “Obviously, he lacked experience and I did not want him to have a hard race today so he did what he did on his own. The post just came a stride too soon, but it was a very good effort and he will improve a lot. He will run in the Lagardere if he is in good form and will definitely be two lengths better next time.”
Stage Magic's dam Witnessed is a daughter of the GIII Royal Heroine S. winner Magic Mission, who also produced the recent G2 Prix Maurice de Nieuil winner Talismanic (GB) (Medaglia d'Oro). Magic Mission's dam Dream Ticket is a daughter of the GIII Vineland H. scorer Capo Di Monte (Ire) (Final Straw {GB}), who is herself a half-sister to the G1 Aral-Pokal heroine Wind In Her Hair (Ire) (Alzao). Her claim to fame came as the dam of the Japanese Triple Crown winner and G1 Japan Cup hero and leading sire influence Deep Impact (Jpn). Witnessed's yearling filly is by Bungle Inthejungle (GB).
Sunday, Chantilly, France
PRIX DES CHENES-G3, €80,000, CHY, 9-3, 2yo, c/g, 8fT, 1:38.77, sf.
1–STAGE MAGIC (IRE), 128, c, 2, by Dark Angel (Ire)
1st Dam: Witnessed (GB), by Authorized (Ire)
2nd Dam: Magic Mission (GB), by Machiavellian
3rd Dam: Dream Ticket, by Danzig
*1st stakes win. (160,000gns Wlg '15 TATFOA). O-Godolphin; B-Darley (IRE); T-Charlie Appleby; J-James Doyle. €40,000. Lifetime Record: 4-2-2-0, €73,529. Werk Nick Rating: B+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Olmedo (Fr), 128, c, 2, Declaration of War–Super Pie, by Pivotal (GB). (€100,000 Ylg '16 ARAUG). O-Ecurie Antonio Caro & Gerard Augustin-Normand; B-Dream With Me Stable Inc (FR); T-Jean-Claude Rouget. €16,000.
3–Zyzzyva (Fr), 128, c, 2, Siyouni (Fr)–Zanatiya (Fr), by Sinndar (Ire). (€37,000 Wlg '15 ARQDEC; €105,000 Ylg '16 ARAUG; €210,000 2yo '17 ARQMAY). O-Paul Hancock; B-SCPA Fertilia (FR); T-Robyn Brisland. €12,000.
Margins: SHD, NK, 6. Odds: 2.80, 0.60, 11.30.
Also Ran: Diamond Vendome (Fr), Contortioniste (GB). Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
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