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Magic Circle pulls out stunning performance to keep Melbourne Cup dreams alive
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Watch a full replay of the Matchbook VIP Henry II Stakes won by Chester Cup winner Magic Circle, Tom Stanley's interview with winning jockey Fran Berry and trainer Ian Williams and read our report from Sandown.
Ian Williams may have to rethink plans for Magic Circle following his striking success in the Matchbook VIP Henry II Stakes.
The six-year-old gelding claimed the Chester Cup only 13 days ago and left his rivals standing in this Group Three prize.
Moving smoothly into contention, the Fran Berry-ridden 11-2 shot quickly put daylight between himself and the field before crossing the line six lengths clear of Red Verdon.
He halved in price for the Melbourne Cup at around 20-1, but would need to be supplemented for the Ascot Gold Cup, for which he was introduced at 20-1 by BetVictor.
Williams said: "It has taken me aback a little. I didn't think winning a Chester Cup would be beyond him, but I thought it would be tough. What he has achieved today has really announced him as a stayer on the big scene.
"He was a bit cold early on and I spent half the race thinking it has come a bit quick for him, but it certainly wasn't too quick when he was turning in and he travelled up the hill like a very good horse.
"It was our plan to come here and we hoped to be placed and look at going to the Melbourne Cup with him, and that still remains our number one target. What we do between now and then has probably changed a little around today.
"I'm not sure what we will do with him, but the options are open. He looks on performance a far better stayer than we could have imagined he would be."
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