Melbourne trip a possible for Magical Zoe after Ebor win
A trip to Australia for a tilt at November’s Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) could be on the agenda for Magical Zoe (Shantou) after the six-year-old mare won Saturday’s Ebor Handicap (1m 6f) at York.
Having just her fourth start on the flat, the Grade 3 hurdle winner made a mockery of her official rating of 102 as she had no problem in accounting for her 19 rivals as the heavily backed 11-2 favourite.
Partnered by Billy Lee for Henry de Bromhead, Magical Zoe pulled two and three-quarter lengths clear of Kihavah (Harbour Watch) with Oneforthegutter (Muhaarar) finishing three lengths behind the winner in third.
While better known for his raids on Aintree and Cheltenham, dual-purpose trainer De Bromhead, is now eyeing a possible trip to Melbourne.
“It’s a win and you’re in for the Melbourne Cup and we’ll give it serious consideration,” he said.
“It would look like a race that would suit her and I know Paddy and Scott [Bryceland, owners] are going anyhow, it’s Paddy’s birthday around then and they’re going down for that, so I think that would definitely be under serious consideration. Obviously a lot of hoops to jump through but that could be one.”
Magical Zoe was given quotes of 20-1 by the northern hemisphere bookmakers for the Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 5.
Crystal Delight, who had also been in the Cup reckoning, suffered what proved a fatal injury when leading in the Ebor.
His trainer Harry Eustace told ITV Racing: “Everyone involved with Crystal Delight are totally and completely heartbroken. He was the most noble and kind warrior you could ever meet. We will miss him.”
Tom Marquand was unscathed in the incident and cleared to take his remaining rides.