MAJOR AIMED AT NOTTINGHAM AS ARE TALENTED YOUNGSTERS
Ian Fortune
The big question over recent days has been where is Magical Major. After a couple of stunning displays at Shelbourne Park over 575 and 600yds, the brilliant son of King Sheeran was installed as one of the favourites for Derby glory but Pat Guyilfoyle confirmed yesterday that he had other plans for his star.
The 2025 Derby Plate winner picked up a bad injury that took him some time to recover from. He was off the track for over eight months before taking a tumble in his June return over 550yds. Guilfoyle has decided that one-off races are best for the incredible tracker and has confirmed that he will be targeting the Select Stakes at Nottingham.
The valuable invitation is scheduled for Monday August 31st and should he throw his hat in the ring, you suspect he will get an invite. He is set to trial at Nottingham ahead of racing next Monday. Incidentally, Ireland has won the Select Stakes twice in recent years with Clona Duke coming home in front in 2023 for Graham Holland, while Pat Buckley sent over Unanimous Panther to win in 2024.
MAGIC, MARTY AND FAYE TARGETING PUPPY CLASSIC
Guilfoyle is also targeting the Nottingham Puppy Classic. He trialed three of his team at Colwick Park on Monday with Daleroad Magic going fastest of his trio, posting 29.83 (+.20) off a 4.99 sectional.
Magical Marty beat his kennel companion Magical Faye by three lengths in 30.04 (+.20). He too posted a 4.99 sectional, while Magical Faye posted 5.06.
All three are set to run in the opening round of the Puppy Classic next Monday, soon after Magical Major trials ahead of his potential Select Stakes challenge.