Magical Memory (Ire) (Zebedee {GB}) is showing all the right signs in his preparation for his seasonal comeback in the G2 Duke Of York S. on May 17 in a bid to claim back-to-back wins in the Clipper Logistics-sponsored contest.
The 5-year-old posted a decent breeze under Frankie Dettori on Newmarket's Rowley Mile when taken for a racecourse gallop by trainer Charlie Hills last week and has his owners in Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds syndicate dreaming of even bigger prizes to add to his six victories to date.
Syndicate manager Sam Hoskins said, “He has had a long break since the Sprint Cup at Haydock as he had a little bit of a setback in September and that is why he didn't run in the Champions Sprint at Ascot.
“He hasn't been rushed back. He has just come back steadily and the idea was to go for a little racecourse gallop then go for the Duke of York, then go to the Diamond Jubilee [at Royal Ascot].”
He continued, “Last year he peaked in the Duke of York, although he ran well in the Diamond Jubilee, but we want him to peak in that this year as that is the big aim. He is getting there fitness-wise and Charlie has been really pleased with him. He is still his old self, he still has fantastic temperament – so bring on Limato, Quiet Reflection and Brando.”
And the Magical Memory team has sights set on even bigger targets across the globe should all go to plan on the home front, with the Breeders' Cup just one possibility along with an even more valuable prize.
“That Australian race [The Everest] is something I am not sure our syndicate could afford to do it as the buy-in is huge, but talk about a dream,” added Hoskins. “If he won the Diamond Jubilee we would have to give it a thought and we would be very up for it.”
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