Excellent third for Magic Lily in G1 Fillies’ Mile

Magic Lily acquitted herself superbly on her G1 debut with a close third in the 11-runner Fillies’ Mile on day one of the Dubai Future Champions Festival at Newmarket, UK, on Friday, October 13.

 

Making just her second appearance following an impressive maiden success over the same course and distance on September 23, the Charlie Appleby-trained two-year-old broke well and soon settled behind the leaders in sixth on the stands’ rail for William Buick.

 

The daughter of Dubawi made progress entering the final quarter-mile and was then switched right to make her challenge.

 

Despite not having much room, she ran on strongly between runners passing the furlong-pole to press Laurens for the lead.

 

Magic Lily had every chance with half a furlong remaining, but could not quite on terms with Laurens, who won in 1m 36.15s on good ground.

 

The Godolphin runner was passed by September in the closing stages, going down by nose and three quarters of a length.  The fourth, Magical, was a further three lengths in arrears.

 

Charlie Appleby said: “Magic Lily has justified being supplemented for this race and I was delighted with her performance. 

 

“She showed today what she had been showing us at home. For me, she was the filly with the most scope in the paddock and when she fills her frame, she is just going to be a lovely filly to have around.

 

“She is a filly with a bright future and we could look at working back from the Oaks (G1, 12f, Epsom Downs, June 1) next year. 

 

“We are very lucky to have Wild Illusion as well and you could potentially look at running her in the 1000 Guineas and let this filly go more down an Oaks route.”