Magical Zoe

Magical Zoe ran a big race to finish second behind You Wear It Well in the Jack de Bromhead Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle on Thursday. Well back in the field and towards the outside early on, she was a little keen, and she was no better than third or fourth last as they turned away from the stands with a circuit to run. Still no better than fourth last jumping the flight at the top of the hill, the third last, she was wide on the run down the hill, and she was hampered on landing over the second last flight. Still 14th or 15th turning for home, she was short of room again as they straightened up for home, and she had to switch on the run to the last. She jumped the final flight in a share of fifth place, and she stayed on gamely up the hill on the far side to get up for second place.

It was a massive run by Henry de Bromhead’s mare, on her first run since early November. Winner of her bumper for Barry Fitzgerald, she was impressive in winning her maiden hurdle at Wexford, and she stayed on strongly to win the Grade 3 mares’ novices’ hurdle at Down Royal’s big meeting in early November that has been won in the past by Impervious, Airlie Beach and Skyace. She is a really exciting filly, and she will be of interest if she goes to Fairyhouse or Punchestown now.
Cheltenham, 16^th March 2023