DESPITE not racing in 203 days, five-year-old bay horse I’ve Got Magic is set to return in terrific form and seems to be the favourite to win today’s $1.25-million Arthur Jones Memorial Cup feature race at Caymanas Park.

Bred by Fast Anna out of Half Ours mare Lili Miss Richie, I’ve Got Magic enters this race after two straight victory in as many starts. The Philip Feanny trainee’s two wins have come in the class above, making him a five-star banker in the Overnight Allowance for three-year-olds and higher over six furlongs (1,200m).

I’ve Got Magic was a winner on January 28 when beating Duke and Lure of Lucy over one mile (1,600m) in the Alexander Hamilton Trophy, winning by 2½ lengths in a time of 1:42.0. He should have no problem sprinting with these, as evidenced by his St Catherine Cup win over this distance in a time of 1:12.3 on January 14.

Prior to those two runs I’ve Got Magic, after leading for most of the way, finished fourth by just five lengths behind Mahogany, Jordon Reign’s, and Excessive Force in the Ian Levy Cup over eight and a half furlongs (1,700m) on December 31, 2022.

The last time I’ve Got Magic ran at this level was on December 11 of last year and he was an easy three-length winner at this distance, beating double Classic winner Blue Vinyl and Money Monster in a time of 1:13.1.

I’ve Got Magic has been timely prepared for this trophy race and, being the class horse in the line-up, should make it win number three on the trot and ninth overall. On Sunday, August 13 I’ve Got Magic worked three furlongs (600m) in 36.0 seconds, beating stablemate Inspire Force (37.3) in the process.

The bustling Phillip Parchment has been called on to do riding honours. I’ve Got Magic will carry top weight of 57.0kgs (126 lb).

The contest is positioned as the ninth event on the 10-race card with a post time of 4:45 pm. First race is at 11:45 am.

The advancing American-bred Is That A Fact, trained by Jason DaCosta, appears to be the major threat to fellow American-bred I’ve Got Magic. Rojorn Di Pilot, Curlin’s Affair and El Professor may also make strong claims.

Is That A Fact also comes into this race on the backend of two consecutive victories. The three-year-old bay colt completed his achievement on July 22 when winning over six and a half furlongs (1,300m) in a time of 1:22.1. Is That A Fact races in Overnight Allowance company for the first time and does so in good form. He has shown tremendous improvement and should run a decent race here.

The Peter-John Parsard-conditioned Rojorn Di Pilot makes his seasonal debut here after a 413-day rest. Rojorn Di Pilot last raced on July 2 of last year when he finished second by 2¼ lengths behind Lure of Lucy over six furlongs. The bay horse has been training fairly well for his first run of the season but is more than likely going to need the run to find himself.

Curlin’s Affair, trained by Anthony “Baba” Nunes, showed a return to form on August 7 when finishing second behind Generational travelling five furlongs (1,000m) round, only to be disqualified and placed third. Curlin’s Affair is poised for another good showing among these.

El Profesor has raced 10 times this season without any success. El Profesor can surprise rivals at any time but, based on current form, the Patrick Lynch trainee can only be taken on past trust.

Ones to watch

Race 1) Ali/Thunderstrike/War Of The Roses

Race 2) Lion of Ekati/Anchorman/Delay The Game

Race 3) Traveller’s Lodge/Riddim/Principal Tiffany

Race 4) Slam/Here Comes Doc/Mr Senator

Race 5) Simba The Lion/Genealogy/Pro Johnny

Race 6) Mo Aviator/Coalition/Sweet Victory

Race 7) Huntsman/Roulette Boss/Burlap

Race 8) Running Glory/Joy Is Golden/Lady Abimala

Race 9) I’ve Got Magic/Is That A Fact/Curlin’s Affair

Race 10) Always Wright/Frealess Reina/Xylophonic Stee