Seasonal debut for Moonlight Magic in Mooresbridge

Moonlight Magic makes his seasonal return in the 10-furlong G2 Mooresbridge Stakes (15.55 hrs local time) at Naas, Ireland, on Monday, May 1.

The four-year-old Cape Cross colt, trained by Jim Bolger and partnered by Kevin Manning, was a G3 winner last year and performed creditably at the highest class too.

His best performance came when he finished sixth of 12 behind Almanzor in the G1 Irish Champion Stakes (10f, September 10) at Leopardstown.

Moonlight Magic, who has not raced since October 1, 2016, takes on four rivals, headed by star filly Minding, who was successful in five G1s last year.

Godolphin’s Jimmy Hyland commented: “Moonlight Magic is training very well, but is likely to need the race.

“The ground should suit him and, although it is a strong race, we expect a big run and hopefully he can improve for it.

“Moonlight Magic’s target is the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup (10f 110y, the Curragh, May 28) on Guineas’ weekend.”