Moonlight Magic & Theodorico In Ballysax

Time/Date - 15.50hrs local time/Sunday, April 10, 2016 Racecourse/Country - Leopardstown/Ireland
Surface/Distance - Turf/1m 2f

Moonlight Magic and Theodorico line up in the first Derby trial of the Irish season, the G3 P W McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown on Sunday, April 10.

Both Jim Bolger-trained colts step up to a mile and a quarter for the first time, with Moonlight Magic having ended an unbeaten two-year-old campaign with a comfortable victory in the nine-furlong Listed Eyrefield Stakes at the same course on October 25.

The son of Cape Cross also scored on his debut eight days earlier with a cosy neck success in a Cork maiden over seven furlongs.

Theodorico was runner-up on his seasonal return in a seven-furlong handicap at the Curragh on March 20 and the Teofilo colt gamely took a Leopardstown maiden over the same trip on his final juvenile appearance at the end of October.

He placed in maidens on all four of his previous appearances, including when finishing a quarter of a length behind subsequent G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf victor Hit It A Bomb at the Curragh in September.

Kevin Manning takes the ride on Moonlight Magic with Ronan Whelan on board Theodorico and the two Godolphin runners face five rivals including Navan maiden winner Cook Islands and recent Cork scorer Harzand.

Jim Bolger commented: "Moonlight Magic is very well. I know that he handles soft ground OK - I am a little apprehensive about heavy going but hopefully he will get through it.

"He is in very good form and hasn't put a foot wrong all spring.

"This race might be a bit strong for Theodorico but we are taking a chance anyway and would be thrilled if he got placed."