Romeo Just Magical In English Derby Decider

LONG touted as a likely English Derby winner, Romeo Magico secured the £175,000 (A$310,171) Star Sports & TRC series decider on Saturday night at Towcester from fellow Irish raider Kildare.

A son of Magical Bale, Romeo Magico was beaten into third behind Daring Deise in the opening round on May 21 but made amends seven days later in round two, accounting for the highly regarded Lautaro in 29.29 secs.

As a 6/4 chance, he again had his colours lowered in round three, this time by second elect Signet Goody in 29.55 but the best was yet to come.

Lautaro was again standing in his way yet Romeo Magico prevailed by just on five lengths in 29.01 in his quarter final final romp before accounting for Micky's Barrett in a 29.06 semi final.

A career best 28.95 was produced in the series decider, his fourth win in the grueling six-leg series and it was the solid grounding of 34 career outings prior to his Derby assault which held Romeo Magico in good stead.

From his first outing, Romeo Magico has raced in elite company and has win to his credit over 2021 Irish Derby champion Susie Sapphire at Shelbourne Park.

While campaigning at Towcester for the Derby, Romeo Magico showed great pace from the boxes and a determination to hold the inside running.

A magical display from Romeo Magico @TowcesterRaces. He went out and took the race as a champion does. To Dave Firmager, Graham Holland and all at the @RiversideKenne a massive congratulations! Enjoy every second. A wonderful @StarSports_Bet & TRC English Derby champion ?

— Ian Fortune (@IanFortune) June 25, 2022

Champion Irish mentor Graham Holland campaigned 16 dogs for this Derby and all made it through the first round with Romeo Magico returning home with a resume boasting 40 starts for 14 wins and as many placings.

While attaining the Bale suffix, Romeo Magico's sire has no "Wheeler" influence in his pedigree.

Magical Bale's sire, Zero Ten, was Irish-born yet boasts an American influence through Kiowa Sweet Trey while his damline is Irish through and through.

On his dam's side, Bombastic Shiraz is his maternal great grand sire while Top Honcho and Roanokee appear in Romeo Magico's dam's (Fabulous Artist) bloodlines.

Magical Bale, the beaten favorite in the 2019 English Derby,  has produced some quality performers including Fabulous Azurra (12 wins from 24 starts) and G1 British-bred Derby runner-up Signet Otis as well as Romeo Magico.