MAGICO TO MAKE TOWCESTER RETURN

Ian Fortune

Romeo Magico will step back onto UK soil on Sunday afternoon as he prepares for a defence of his English Derby crown.

The brilliant son of Magical Bale is one of five Irish trained runners in action at Towcester in a card packed with Derby trial stakes.

He will be joined by his kennel companions, the well fancied duo of Clona Duke and Swords Rex, while Dolores Ruth also sends over a couple of intriguing runners in the form of Winter Racing Festival winner Mustang Jet and the talented Tullig Raven.

MAGICO AND JET CLASH

Romeo Magico lines out in the third of the trial stakes and will wear the white jacket.

Mustang Jet will line up in opposition and will be likely to race prominently from an ideal draw in his beloved stripes. Throw in the very talented home fancy, Hopes Paddington and it’s a fascinating contest.

REX CAN GET LOOSE

Tullig Raven and Swords Rex clash in the opening race on the card.

Swords Rex had a look around Towcester last week and seems certain to come on greatly for that effort. From trap four, the 2022 Kirby Memorial and recent Easter Cup champion should have a clear passage into the turn and is expected to return to winning ways.

DUKE LIKELY TO BE TOO GOOD

Juvenile Derby champion Clona Duke will have his first Towcester experience in the fourth race on the card.

He should have too much ammunition for his opposition should he trap on terms from trap two and his price is likely to reflect this view.