Mischief Magic back in business with Listed Dubai Sprint victory

Mischief Magic posted his biggest win since the 2022 G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint as he comfortably took the Listed Dubai Sprint at Meydan, UAE, on Friday, 2 February.

The Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old looked set for a significant 2023 after rounding off his two-year-old campaign with a scintillating success at Keeneland, but only scored once in four UK appearances during a lacklustre campaign.

After breaking on terms, Mischief Magic was covered up in midfield towards the far rail by William Buick before making good headway entering the final quarter-mile.

Mischief Magic quickened between horses to hold every chance with a furlong to race and soon asserted over Yonafis to score by three-quarters of a length, with the front two pulling clear of Batwan in third.

William Buick said: “I knew I had plenty of horse and that the gap would eventually be there for Mischief Magic. When you look through his form as a two-year-old, that is how he was usually ridden.

“Don’t forget that he is a Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint winner, so the quality is there. He had a good run over five furlongs a month ago and stepping up to six furlongs has really suited him.

“Let’s hope he is on the way to reaching those heights again. We all know how tough it can be for a three-year-old sprinter, so hopefully he has strengthened up and is more the finished article now.”

Charlie Appleby said: “Trouble suits Mischief Magic and a turning track would be ideal for him, as we saw when he won in America as a juvenile – he was off the bridle on the turn and that run style suits him.

“William gave him a great ride tonight and was almost looking for trouble, which is unusual for a jockey to have to do. Hopefully, the horse will gain some confidence from this.

“He will probably head to Qatar in a couple of weeks’ time for the Dukhan Sprint.”