Gutsy G3 Chantilly victory for Stage Magic

Stage Magic was the game winner of the mile G3 Prix des Chenes at Chantilly, France, on Sunday, September 3.

The two-year-old Dark Angel colt, trained by Charlie Appleby with James Doyle up, set out to make all the running.

He led at a fair pace before quickening up in the straight but was joined by Zyzzyva who took a narrow advantage with over a furlong to race.

Stage Magic rallied and was back in front with a half-furlong remaining and he held Olmedo’s late flourish by a short-head, with Zyzzyva a neck further in arrears. His winning time came to 1m 38.77s on soft ground.

Charlie Appleby commented: “I am delighted with Stage Magic, who was suited by the ease in the ground.

“He led at a nice gallop and picked up strongly.

“He will be even better as a three-year-old when racing over further.

“We have plenty of two-year-olds doing well and so we will see how he comes out this race plus consider the others before making further plans for him.”