Magical set for Irish Champion Stakes bid

Magical is placed to direct Aidan O’Brien’s bid for an eighth success in the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes – together with star stablemate Japan going to wait for the Prix de Triomphe.
Having noticed the Crystal Ocean in an pulsating renewal of the Juddmonte International at York last month, Japan is now priced up as the favourite for the characteristic event in Ireland on Saturday.
Speaking at a press event at his lawn afternoon, O’Brien suggested he could head straight to Paris in October and Magical could instead line up as his hope in the Dublin circuit on Irish Champions Weekend’s opening day.
The latter completed a hat-trick for its season in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh in May, because when she’s chased dwelling Crystal Ocean in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot and her older foe Permit in the Coral-Eclipse along with the Yorkshire Oaks.
O’Brien stated:”The plan for Magical was always to visit York, then visit the Irish Champion and if all goes well then visit the Arc. We have been very happy with her she came out the race really well.
“We knew we weren’t likely to run her from Japan (at the Juddmonte International), so we knew we were going to have to supplement her to the Yorkshire Oaks, and the next thing John (Gosden) is going there with Permit.
“It is not certain that Japan will not go to the Irish Champion, but it is possible he will go direct to the Arc. I’d be leaning towards doing this a little a bit, but we won’t eliminate the Champion.
“He’s only a three-year-old and we do not wish to over-tax him. He’s progressing and we wish to offer him a chance to keep progressing.”
Whether Japan takes his opportunity or maybe not, Magical is unlikely to function as together with O’Brien’s sole hope in the Champion Qipco 2000 Guineas winner Magna Grecia and Investec Derby hero Anthony Van Dyck also from the mix.
Magna Grecia has not been seen since completing minute when following the Guineas double at the Curragh in late May, although Anthony Van Dyck could fall back in trip after finishing down the field from the King George at Ascot – though O’Brien is also contemplating whether to await the Breeders’ Cup.
He said:”Magna Grecia is now getting ready to go to the Irish Champion and we are very pleased with him.
“The strategy was to visit York, then the Irish Champion and then go back to a mile to get the QEII at Ascot, however he wasn’t prepared for York and could be prepared for the Irish Champion. We are satisfied with him and he’s performed.
“Anthony Van Dyck is in good order. He could run into the Champion, but he could go to the Breeders’ Cup Turf. That’s what we’ve had in our heads for a little while for him a mile and a half on fast floor.
“His final series was a non-event as they went somewhat fast and the floor was somewhat soft.
“Hopefully he will remain in training (following year).”
His jolt was also affirmed by o’Brien this season, Irish Derby hero Sovereign will not run again, but hopes to see him return in 2020.
Irish Derby sixth Broome is being prepared for the Arc.

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