Magical Spirit Back To His Best

Consistency may not be his strength but Magical Spirit is one of those who will put in some fine efforts throughout his career. With an Ayr Silver Cup to his name and a career high mark of 104, he has shown a high level of form. Magical Spirit won for the second time at Doncaster when taking the 6f Follow @attheraces On Twitter Handicap.

Older horses tend to train themselves at times. They seem to come to form at certain times of the year or at a specific track. Magical Spirit enjoys softer going and will always run himself into form. The burly 7yo ran well on the opening weekend where he ran well for a long way before tiring. He then took a big step forward last time out and showed he would be winning again before too long.

Magical Spirit has some top form at Doncaster and loves the straight, galloping style tracks. With the spring weather yet to dry up, the soft conditions were ideal. Tom Eaves took the ride as they  took on 7 rivals. Cheek-pieces were re-fitted for the first time this season.

Jumping enthusiastically, Magical Spirit was prominent from the off and sat just off the leader through the early stages. Tracking the pace he was positioned on the far side of the group. With the mud flying the field raced down the centre of the track. Despite the conditions, it was a fair tempo being set in front.

Little separated first to last which meant there was no change in the order through the first half of the race. When the pace increased, heading towards the final couple of furlongs, the race began to quickly develop. Those on the front end started to pour on the pressure and it was the leader and Magical Spirit who travelled the strongest.

There was a trio up front who started to separate themselves from the rest. Tom had yet to move as his mount continued to gallop powerfully. As Magical Spirit drew up alongside the leader, with 1 1/2f to run, it was time to put the race to bed. Tom got into his drive and kicked on to take the lead. Entering the final furlong he had the two rivals either side of him beaten. There would be one last challenger though, with the favourite charging home after being outpaced. Despite this late flourish, there was no stopping Magical Spirit. Continuing to find more in front, the chestnut galloped through the line and secured a 1/2 length victory.

Magical Spirit had been taking steps forward on both runs this season and it was great to see him continue that progression. He showed real enthusiasm throughout the race and was always doing enough when challenged late on. The handicapper will pop a few pounds back on now but Magical Spirit will be aimed for the big sprint handicaps again this season. There is plenty of life left in the 7yo and it would be no surprise to see him bag another one this season.