Rain a worry for Magical Memory in the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes on Wednesday
Magical Memory is set to bid for back-to-back wins in the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes at York but connections are worried about the forecast heavy rain
CONNECTIONS of Magical Memory are praying there is not too much rain ahead of the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes on Wednesday.
The five-year-old is bidding for back-to-back wins in the race and returns from a 256-day absence following an under par showing in the Sprint Cup at Haydock.
However, trainer Charlie Hills and owners Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds have their fingers crossed conditions will not deteriorate.
"We're looking forward to it. He's in great shape and has been working very well at home. He'll come on for it, but we are worried about all the rain that's about," said Kennet Valley's racing manager, Sam Hoskins.
"The ground got him beaten well and truly at Haydock and if it got very soft it would be a major concern, but he's very well and it would be great to run him because the main objective is the Diamond Jubilee. If we could be in the top four tomorrow we'd be delighted.
"We want to run him, he's in great form and showing all the old sparkle."
Hills also stressed the primary target is next month's Royal meeting.
"We've purposely not run him yet this season as the main aim is the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Ascot, and this is basically his prep," the Lambourn trainer told www.charleshills.com.
"Saying that, his work at home has been good and he did win first time out last year, so he should put up a good show.
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"The only worry is the forecast rain as he wouldn't want it too soft. He's grown again over the winter and is a seriously imposing horse now."
In the opposite camp, James Fanshawe wants plenty of the wet stuff for The Tin Man, who handled soft ground at Haydock when second in the Sprint Cup before getting his Group 1 win in the Champions Sprint at Ascot in October.
"The Tin Man has wintered well," said Fanshawe.
"He seems in good form and looks very well. This has been the plan and it is the ideal starting point for him.
"He likes Ascot so ideally the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot will be on his agenda as well as the other top sprints later in the year."
Growl was runner-up to The Tin Man at Ascot and his trainer Richard Fahey believes rain would not hinder his chances.
"A bit of rain will do him no harm. He loves a bit of slow ground. I was just a bit worried six furlongs on quick ground would upset him a bit, but the rain will help. He's in great form," said the Musley Bank handler.
"He's in great order, we're happy with him so we'll see."
Kevin Ryan is looking forward to seeing Brando strut his stuff again after a pleasing comeback victory in the Abernant Stakes at Newmarket last month.
"He kept progressing but we always felt he was a horse that was going to do that. That's why we looked after him. He didn't have much racing up until last year," the Hambleton handler told Racing UK.
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"He had a good winter, strengthened again and it was a great comeback run at Newmarket.
"It all bodes well for his future this year.
"After York it will be Royal Ascot. He had an entry in the Temple Stakes but that was only provisional really. The plan was the Duke of York and then go to Royal Ascot.
"He's in both the sprints down there, but we will cross that bridge when we come to it."
Godolphin have three bites at the cherry with Comicas, Baccarat and Jungle Cat though trainer Charlie Appleby is concerned about a serious ground change for the last two horses.