This year's dual group-winning sprinter Magical Memory (Ire) (Zebedee {GB}) is being prepared for Haydock's G1 Sprint Cup Sept. 3, with the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint at Santa Anita a long-term target.
“He's in the [G1] British Champions Sprint at Ascot [Oct. 15] as well, but we might lean towards America, especially if he runs well at Haydock,” said Sam Hoskins, racing manager for owners Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds. “He was third in the Sprint Cup last year and hopefully he can show his true mettle there.”
The 4-year-old grey gelding won the G3 Abernant S. at Newmarket Apr. 14 before taking York's G2 Duke of York Clipper Logistics S. May 11. He was fourth in Royal Ascot's G1 Diamond Jubilee and seventh in the G1 Darley July Cup July 9.
“In Group 1 races so far he hasn't had the rub of the green,” said Hoskins. “He hit the front too soon in last year's Sprint Cup. At Royal Ascot, he broke slowly and was a bit too far back. In his last race he had an interrupted run and hit the ridges at Newmarket. He also did bang himself in the race and was off for 10 days afterwards.”
“He'll go to Haydock where he might be slightly under the radar compared to his last couple of runs,” Hoskins added.
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