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Remarkable Magic Wand to carry on globetrotting in $20 million Saudi Cup

3 minute read

Fresh from Saturday's gallant second in the Pegasus World Cup Turf at Gulfstream Park, the globetrotting Magic Wand looks set to be on her travels yet again as connections could break new ground next month with an ambitious attempt at the $20 million Saudi Cup on dirt.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained daughter of Galileo has shown an outstanding constitution in her multinational campaign, having contested Group/Grade 1 races in all bar one of her last 16 races.

Magic Wand winning the Seppelt Mackinnon Stakes
Magic Wand winning the Seppelt Mackinnon Stakes Picture: Racing and Sports

After filling the runner-up spot for the second year running in the $1 million contest in Florida, the five-year-old could now be set for a crack at the world's richest race in Saudi Arabia on February 29, which would be her first start on dirt.

Among the European entries for the 1m1f contest are Godolphin's Barney Roy, Benbatl and Ghaiyyath, the John Gosden-trained Lord North and Willie Mullins' Flemington scorer True Self.

KING ABDULAZIZ RACETRACK,RIYADH
KING ABDULAZIZ RACETRACK,RIYADH Picture: Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia

Speaking on Monday, O'Brien said: "Magic Wand  ran another good race in America and seems fine since. She's due to come home this evening.

"It's very possible that she'll be heading to Saudi Arabia next month. We're thinking about running her on the dirt. It'd be something new for her so we'll see she comes out of her last run between now and then."

O'Brien has 14 entries in total for the valuable undercard at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, including Investec Derby hero Anthony Van Dyck, who could take his chance in the $1 million Neom Turf Cup over 1m2½f.

The Ballydoyle trainer explained: "We'll have an idea of what we'll run on the card over the next week or ten days but I'd imagine Anthony Van Dyck is possible to run over there.

"Circus Maximus has an entry but may not run. Kew Gardens and Sergei Prokofiev are only possible runners at this stage and we'll see how things go with them over the next week or so."


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