Magical Memory heads to York

The five-year-old enjoyed his finest hour in 2016 when lifting the six-furlong Group Two feature on the Knavesmire, but was unable to top that with victory at the highest level.

A setback in the autumn resulted in an early end to that campaign, but connections of the Charlie Hills-trained grey remain optimistic he can prove himself one of the best speedsters around.

"He had a little setback in the autumn. He was going to go for a Group Three at Ascot, but he injured his check ligament," said Sam Hoskins, racing manager to owners Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds.

"He's fine now, but that meant he had to miss the Champions Sprint or the Breeders' Cup. We weren't sure what to go for.

"Anyway he's back now and going really nicely. He's done really well for his extended break. He probably won't go to Newmarket for the Abernant but is likely to go straight for the Duke of York which he won last year.

"If there was a good time to have a setback, he had his at the right time last year. Hopefully he'll be the same horse from when we last saw him.

"It should be really exciting. He's only five, but unfortunately there are a load of other geldings around with Limato and The Tin Man and the fillies Quiet Reflection and Dancing Star, so it's going to be a tough division.

"He's in one piece, that's the great thing,  and we live the dream with him."