2.55 Tattersalls Gold Cup (Group 1) 1m 2f
Buckhurst: Admirable and classy multiple Group 3 winner who seems particularly at home at this track and looks well worth his shot at this level following his latest front-running success over Sir Dragonet over this course and distance last month.
He still looks to be progressing and another big run from him would come as no surprise.
Leo De Fury: Established himself as a very useful three-year-old last season but looked better than ever on his return in last month’s Group 2 Mooresbridge Stakes over this course and distance when he defeated Fleeting by 3l.
He is sure to progress off that comeback run and looks a danger to all, but a line involving Fleeting leaves him with something to find against Magical.
Sir Dragonet: Very talented middle-distance colt at his peak and was possibly a shade unlucky not to win at Royal Ascot on his penultimate start but appeared to have no excuses when beaten 1½l by Buckhurst here last time. On recent form and ratings he has something to find with a few of these.
Magical: Outstanding multiple Group 1 winner who completed the Irish-English Champion Stakes double last season. Returned to action with an imperious front-running effort in last month’s Pretty Polly where she defeated the subsequent Irish Oaks second Cayenne Pepper by just under 5l. Could easily progress from that comeback and her overall form puts her some way ahead of these.
Search For A Song: Produced a brilliant effort to win last season’s Irish St Leger but hasn’t reached those heights in two subsequent outings.
Her comeback effort in the Mooresbridge Stakes was disappointing and she seems sure to leave that a long way behind, but over a trip short of her best she could be vulnerable against a few of these.
Armory: Very smart colt at his best and won at Group 2 level last season before going on to post some honourable efforts at the top level. His comeback fourth in the Irish 2000 Guineas was a decent effort and he appeals as one that will progress for the switch to this distance but he is going to have to find some improvement to play a leading role.
Conclusion
Magical’s best form puts her some way ahead of these rivals and it will be a major surprise if she doesn’t add to her Group 1 haul here. Buckhurst is a progressive type who looks like one that could develop into a Group 1 performance at this trip and he may give her most to do.