Charlie Hills’ Magical Memory on target to make his return in the Duke Of York Stakes
Charlie Hills' sprinter hasn't been seen since finishing last in the Sprint Cup at Haydock last September but he worked well at Newmarket last week
MAGICAL MEMORY is on track for his intended seasonal return in the Duke Of York Stakes.
The five-year-old warmed up for a tilt at the Group 3 prize at York next month when working just over five furlongs at Newmarket on Thursday under regular rider Frankie Dettori.
Not seen out since trailing home last in the Sprint Cup at Haydock in September, Charlie Hills' five-year-old pulled smartly clear of his work companion, passing the post with more than three lengths in hand.
Sam Hoskins, racing manager for owners Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds, said: "He went well and pulled nicely clear.
"He has had a long break since the Sprint Cup at Haydock as he had a little bit of a setback in September and that is why he didn't run in the Champions Sprint at Ascot.
"He hasn't been rushed back. He has just come back steadily and the idea was to go for a little racecourse gallop then go for the Duke of York, then go to the Diamond Jubilee.
"Last year he peaked in the Duke of York, although he ran well in the Diamond Jubilee, but we want him to peak in that this year as that is the big aim.
"He is getting there fitness wise and Charlie has been really pleased with him. He is still his old self, he still has fantastic temperament so it is bring on Limato, Quiet Reflection and Brando."
Looking beyond Royal Ascot plans are in place to take the dual Pattern-race winner abroad later in the campaign, with both the Breeders' Cup and The Everest in Australia potential long-term targets.
Hoskins added: "I thought he would go abroad last year to the Breeders' Cup but he met with the setback and we could look at going there this year.
"That Australian race (The Everest) is something I am not sure our syndicate could afford to do it as the buy-in is huge, but talk about a dream! If he won the Diamond Jubilee we would have to give it a thought and we would be very up for it."