Magic creates Derby dreams

The beautifully-bred Moonlight Magic made it two for Godolphin, Jim Bolger, and Kevin Manning at Leopardstown, to earn himself a 20/1 quote for next year's Epsom Derby (from 33s with Paddy Power) by impressing in the Listed Best Odds Guaranteed For Tote Account Holders Eyrefield Stakes.

On the back of just a maiden win, from eight days previous at Cork, Moonlight Magic brought up a double for his connections after Theodorico s victory in the nursery earlier.

Moonlight Magic quickened up really well from over a furlong out, after bumping his stable companion Leafy Shade

Manning's mount crossed the line with three parts of a length in hand over Landofhopeandglory

The aforementioned Leafy Shade ran on to be another three parts of a length back in third.

"He's a good horse. He was a little bit backward and just made it this year. He got in by the skin of his teeth!" said Bolger.

"I'd say he'll improve a lot over the winter and hopefully he'll be back here for the Derrinstown Derby Trial.

"He did it very well the first day but when he hit the front he idled."

On Leafy Shade meanwhile Bolger remarked: "That was a big step up on where she was the last time. She's a good horse and will hopefully be an Oaks filly."

P.J. Smullen, rider of Ebediyin trained by D. K. Weld, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount's action shortened in the last two furlongs.

(GC & EM)