I’ve Got Magic set to pounce

Before going off for eight months, I'VE GOT MAGIC was at the top of his game, beating tough-as-they-come DUKE in consecutive races, six furlongs and a mile, after finishing fourth behind MAHOGANY, JORDON REIGN'S and EXCESSIVE FORCE in the Ian Levy Cup, an all-star cast from the Mouttet Mile in which he had placed a respectable 10th.

Practically down two classes from where he had raced this time last year, I'VE GOT MAGIC is at home going six furlongs in Saturday's overnight allowance, a trip he will prefer as opposed to his previous outing when trying to chase down ROJORN DI PILOT at five furlongs straight.

I'VE GOT MAGIC appears ready to deliver, third race off the lay-up, after a game run three weeks ago, battling ROJORN DI PILOT, after both emerged from a six-furlong marker race won by IS THAT A FACT, who franked the form by returning up in class to beat last year's St Leger winner, BLUE VINYL, on Saturday at seven furlongs in the Poorlittlerichgirl.

EASY AS A. B. C., an American brought in for December's Mouttet Mile, hasn't done enough at exercise to suggest he should trouble seasoned I'VE GOT MAGIC, who should brush aside pesky ALEXA'S LODGE before stamping his class on rivals.

As far as class is concerned, fellow American RACE CAR, as sparingly raced as he might be, could be the next best thing in the event, having finished a length and a quarter behind I'VE GOT MAGIC at five furlongs straight last out.

The six-year-old grey ran surprisingly well, at odds of 10-1, after he had finished four lengths behind I'VE GOT MAGIC in the race won by IS THAT A FACT at six furlongs. However, I'VE GOT MAGIC had allowed him an average of nine pounds on both occasions, which has now been reduced to two, reducing his chances of turning the tables.

Whatever kept I'VE GOT MAGIC confined to his barn for eight months appears to be lingering, evidenced by his lack of speed gallops. However, competitive races also serve as exercise gallops, appearing to be the path 14-time champion trainer Philip Feanny appears to be cunningly taking with I'VE GOT MAGIC ahead of this year's even-richer Mouttet Mile.