Saint-Cloud G1 bids by Stage Magic and Cascadian

Stage Magic and Cascadian go for glory in the final two juvenile G1 races of the European calendar at Saint-Cloud, France, on Sunday, October 29.

 

Dark Angel colt Stage Magic (Charlie Appleby/William Buick) steps up in class and trip for the 10-furlong G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud after disappointing in the G3 Prix de Conde over a furlong shorter at Chantilly on October 7.

 

He had previously rallied gamely for a neck success over subsequent G1 second Olmedo in the mile G3 Prix des Chenes at Chantilly on September 3 and was headed on the line when going down by a short-head in a Deauville Listed race over the same distance on August 19.

 

Stage Magic takes on six opponents, headed by unbeaten Prix de Conde scorer Luminate, plus Delano Roosevelt and Nelson, who have both finished second in G2 company.

 

Charlie Appleby reported: “Stage Magic was disappointing on his last start, but has done nothing but please us since then.

 

“A mile and a quarter should suit him and he is proven on soft ground, while we are putting on some cheekpieces to aid his concentration.

 

“His preparation has gone well and a return to the form of his win in the Prix des Chenes would make him competitive.”

 

Cascadian (Andre Fabre/Mickael Barzalona), who runs  in the seven-furlong G1 Criterium International, readily took a Listed race over the same distance at Maisons-Laffitte on October 6.

 

The New Approach colt was runner-up to Mythical Magic in another seven-furlong Listed contest at Deauville on August 13 and made a striking debut over the same distance when quickening clear in a Chantilly newcomers’ race in July.

 

His six rivals include G1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes fourth Threeandfourpence, G1 Fillies Mile fifth Ellthea, G2 runner-up Hey Gaman and impressive G3 winner Sacred Life.

 

Lisa-Jane Graffard of Godolphin said: “Cascadian has pleased us with each of his performances so far this year.

 

“It is a big step up to G1 level, but we are hoping that he can run another good race.”

 

Elsewhere on Sunday’s card, Glen Shiel (Andre Fabre/Mickael Barzalona) makes his G3 debut in the Prix Perth over a mile.

 

The three-year-old Pivotal colt, a cosy winner of a mile conditions race at Lyon Parilly in May, bounced back to form on his latest outing with a brave head verdict on very soft ground in a Chantilly Listed race over nine furlongs on October 7.

 

Lisa-Jane Graffard added: “The softer the ground, the better for Glen Shiel.

 

“It was a good win for him last time and hopefully he can put up another good performance.”