Seeking Magic was a desperately unlucky loser when runner-up last time out and looks to have amjor claims of going one better in today’s Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot (5.00).
The Clive Cox trained gelding thrived in the second half of 2013, landing a 24-runner contest at Goodwood by a nose off a mark of 93 before going on to be placed in two hot handicaps off 98.
In the second of those, the six-year-old didn’t get the clearest of runs but kept on well to be beaten just 1 1/2 lengths by Mass Rally at York and the winner is a useful sort on his day who finished a fine fourth in a Group 2 off an official rating of 107.
That is strong form in the context of today’s contest, and Seeking Magic comes into it on the back of two promising runs.
In the first of those he finished ninth of 21 to Goldream.
The son of Haafhd showed plenty of pace before being unable to find any extra late on, and looked sure to strip much fitter for the run.
That proved to be the case last time out in the “Dash” at Epsom, where he travelled supremely well on the heels of the leaders and looked all over the winnwer until being denied a clear run at a vital stage.
He had to be switched entering the final furlong, losing at least a length, and then finished off strongly to be beaten just a head.
It was a cracking effort, and off the same mark of 99 he has to go close in this.
Another plus is that he has bagged a great draw in stall 30, and with Ryan Tate in the saddle taking off a handy 3lb everything looks in place for a huge run.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Seeking Magic (12/1 Betfred – BOG, 1/4 odds 1,2,3,4,5)