Doncaster G2 tests for Mythical Magic & Home Of The Brave

Mythical Magic and Home Of The Brave each try for a first G2 success at Doncaster, UK, on Saturday, September 16. 

Unbeaten two-year-old Mythical Magic (Charlie Appleby/James Doyle) steps up in class for the seven-furlong G2 Champagne Stakes an impressive all-the-way success over the same trip in the Listed Prix Francois Boutin at Deauville, France, on August 13. 

The Iffraaj colt also made a striking impression on his debut at Ascot on July 28 when forging clear in the final furlong to win a six-furlong maiden.  

Drawn in stall eight, he faces seven others including Hey Gaman and Red Mist, who were first and second in a Newbury Listed race, plus York debut winner Dream Today. 

Charlie Appleby remarked: “Mythical Magic goes to Doncaster in great order, having won both of his starts. 

“He has done well since he ran in France and his victories have come with ease in the ground, so the going at Doncaster will not be a problem. 

“I think he is the one that they have to beat.”

Home Of The Brave (Hugo Palmer/James Doyle) remains at seven furlongs for the G2 Park Stakes following three fine efforts over the same distance this year, including when finishing the half-length second in the G2 Lennox Stakes at Goodwood on August 1. 

The five-year-old quickened smartly for a comfortable victory over another Godolphin runner, Jungle Cat, in the G3 Criterion Stakes at Newmarket on July 1 and gained a decisive success on his seasonal return in the Listed King Richard III Stakes at Leicester in April. 

Hugo Palmer revealed: “Home Of The Brave is in great shape, although his participation will depend on how much the ground dries at Doncaster. 

“He has run big races on ground easier than good before, but he doesn’t want it much easier than good. 

“I am keen to run him as I think he is in the best form that we have had him – he is in a really good place. 

“In an ideal world, there won’t be any more rain and the ground will dry out a bit. The Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1, Del Mar, USA, November 4) is his main aim and Home Of The Brave always goes well when fresh, so he doesn’t need a run beforehand. 

“We won’t take an undue risk, but he is in such good form and it is a small field, so it would be a good opportunity for him on Saturday if the ground is OK.”

Home Of The Brave, drawn five, is one of eight runners for the Park Stakes, which also features G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest second Aclaim and Breton Rock.