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Merlin books Dante ticket with Sandown success

Silvestre de Sousa
Image: Silvestre de Sousa rode Merlin's Magic

Merlin Magic is in line for a crack at the Dante Stakes at York next month after a winning return to action in the bet365 Esher Cup at Sandown.

Having finished ninth to Saxon Warrior in the Racing Post Trophy on his final start last season, the David Elsworth-trained son of Camelot put some useful rivals to the sword when clearing away to land the mile prize by three lengths.

Winning owner Jeff Smith said of the 4/1 chance: "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.

"We had to get going with him and we only took him out the Guineas as he had not yet come to himself.

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"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."

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