Magical Set for Tattersalls Gold Cup Defense

Magical will need to grossly underperform not to land back-to-back victories in the July 26 Tattersalls Gold Cup (G1).

The decision to postpone a date with any number of Coolmore's bluebloods was vindicated when the star mare romped to glory on her comeback in the Alwasmiyah Pretty Polly Stakes (G1), and now a sixth group 1 beckons. 

"We've been happy with Magical since her comeback in the Pretty Polly," trainer Aidan O'Brien said. "She just changed over the winter and that's why we asked the lads to leave her in training. Physically, she made a huge jump forward and we think she has come forward from when she won well the first day."

On ratings, Magical might have most to fear from last season's Comer Group International Irish St. Leger Stakes (G1) winner Search For A Song, but there has to be a big question mark about the trip for Dermot Weld's runner. 

There should be no such worries for Buckhurst, always held in high regard by Joseph O'Brien and deserving of a shot at this grade following a cozy win over the course and distance in the Dubai Duty Free Jumeirah Creekside Hotel Alleged Stakes (G3). On that occasion Buckhurst had Sir Dragonet behind him, and it's hard to see the tables being turned.

"It looks a very good race but we're hoping for a good run," Joseph O'Brien said. "He always runs well over the course and distance and I suppose we could have found easier opportunities for him to tackle group 1 company but we're very happy with him. We have always thought a lot of Buckhurst and he has always stepped up to the mark any time we have asked a question of him. He's never run a bad race and is entitled to his place in the line-up."

Fellow Ballydoyle-trained rival Armory is unexposed and should appreciate the step up in trip, but he'll need to find lots of improvement for going further.

"Armory is also well and we're looking forward to stepping him up in trip," Aidan O'Brien said. "Sir Dragonet is also very well. His work has been well since the last day, where it was a slowly run race, and he'll be better in a good race."

Leo de Fury is proven over the course and distance, but Jessica Harrington's improving colt needs to find eight pounds on Magical, who gets a further three pounds off him. 

"It's a big step up in class for him and if he could be placed I'd be delighted," Harrington said. "Maybe we should have had him in the King George (G1)! He's very well and we're looking forward to running."

In a nutshell, it's very hard to see Magical getting beaten, especially given Aidan O'Brien has reported she has come on a bundle for her Pretty Polly success. If that is the case, current odds of 1-3 could be buying money.