Italy Gains Magic Third

Italy finished well to be third in the six-furlong Group Two Magic Night Stakes at Rosehill Gardens, Australia, on Saturday, March 14, with stable companion Igraine a close sixth.

Italy, trained by John O'Shea and partnered by James McDonald, was slow into stride before being pushed up to midfield on the inner.

The two-year-old Domesday filly progressed turning in and ran on well, just failing to beat the winner Speak Fondly and the runner-up Perignon by a half-head and a half-neck respectively.

Igraine, with William Buick in the saddle, by contrast was the fastest away and settled in fourth and then fifth of the 13 runners.

The Denman filly came wide into the straight and threw down a strong challenge, going second at the distance before finding no more in the closing stages.

She was beaten a length and quarter by the winner whose time was 1m 11.77s on soft going.

John O'Shea said: "Once again, if Italy jumps she wins.

"She began slowly again today and consequently ended up at the back on the inside but made up ground against the track bias.

"She is probably looking for seven furlongs and we have to rectify her barrier manners going forward.

"Igraine began well and was given a beautiful run by William Buick. She popped out to win the race but was just found wanting over the final 100 metres, being a little suspect at a genuine 1,200 metres at this grade.

"It was a good run all the same."