Phoenix Thoroughbreds’ Magic J will stay in handicap company for his next start following his decisive victory at Sandown on Thursday, July 16.
The success was the colt’s first over five furlongs and took his record to two wins in three starts on turf. Unexposed over the minimum trip the son of Scat Daddy shaped as if there was plenty more to come with sprinting now likely to be his sole focus.
Overcoming what looked to have been a poor draw the Ed Vaughan trained four-year-old scored a two-length victory under a hands and heels ride from Oisin Murphy. Still showing signs of exuberance in the early stages the Phoenix runner soon found his rhythm and settled just off the pace. Travelling like the winner two furlongs out he eased into a lead before Murphy punched him out to victory.
“It was a very pleasing performance from a horse Ed, and we have always held in high regard,” said Phoenix Thoroughbreds PR Manager and UK representative Jamie Watson.
“He’s a bit of a team favourite and he looks to have an exciting future over sprint trips. After the race, Oisin was glowing in his praise of the horse and was keen to keep him at five furlongs, which will be the plan now.
“After discussing it with Ed we’ll keep him in handicaps for the time being but we feel he has the ability to make an impact at Group and Listed level in the near future.
“The plan is to run him in at Ascot next weekend. He should love the track so we’re hopeful that all being well he can take another step forward.”