Merlin just Magic for Camelot

Owner Jeff Smith was dreaming of big-race glory after Merlin Magic (3c Camelot-Seattle Ribbon, by Seattle Dancer) began his season in taking fashion on Friday with a win in Sandown’s Esher Cup.

The David Elsworth-trained Camelot colt, who was home-bred at Smith’s Littleton Stud, will head to York’s G2 Dante Stakes after this three-length victory.

“I was extremely pleased. I had a long chat with David Elsworth this morning and I had about six analogies all telling me he had not come to himself yet!,” Smith told Racing UK. “We had to get going with him and we only took him out of the Guineas as he had not yet come to himself.

“He will almost certainly run in the Dante if he is fit and well. It’s a very exciting time, as you don’t win that sort of race that comfortably usually.”