Simon Holt: It could be Magic | Free racing tips for Ascot and York on Sunday

Recommended Bets: Sunday July 26

2pts win Magic J in 1.55 Ascot at 7/2

1pt win Dancing Vega in 2.10 York at 13/2

1pt win Music Society in 2.45 York at 12/1

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MAGIC J, an impressive winner over the stiff five furlongs at Sandown last week, now looks set to realise his early potential and can defy an 8lb rise in the Play Nifty Fifty Exclusively At Betfred Handicap at Ascot on Sunday.

Always travelling well for Oisin Murphy that day, the well-bred son of Scat Daddy quickened smartly away in the closing stages and should confirm the form with runner-up Konchek even on 7lb worse terms.

Magic J made an instant impression at the beginning of his career at Yarmouth in September, 2018 when readily brushing aside the now useful Swindler but three forays on the all-weather last year were to prove disappointing.

The four-year-old has been in much better form in recent weeks running second to Bungee Jump (who slipped the field) at Newmarket and then going under by half a length to the well-handicapped Savalas at Wolverhampton after being hampered at the start.

If Magic J can enjoy another trouble-free run and cruise along as he did at Sandown, then a follow-up looks on the cards.

Last weekend, trainer Ralph Beckett brought Make My Day back from a lengthy absence to win at York and could repeat the feat with DANCING VEGA in the Sky Bet Daily Price Boosts Handicap, again on the Knavesmire.

The well-related daughter of Lope De Vega has clearly had a problem since blowing out when favourite for the Fred Darling Stakes at Newbury early last season but she was the market leader that day for a reason as her sole run as a two-year-old had resulted in a romping victory at Doncaster.

On Town Moor, Dancing Vega had fully four lengths in hand over the runner-up Blue Gardenia, who achieved a rating of 97 last term, so her chance here off a mark of 87 against many exposed rivals is obvious if she returns in good heart and with that initial ability still intact.

In the Sky Bet Extended Dash Handicap, the bottom-weighted MUSIC SOCIETY could be ready to strike after two outings in the last few weeks.

Tim Easterby's five-year-old is probably best suited by a flat six furlongs and was rallying quite well over the stiffer course at Hamilton last week in the Scottish Stewards Cup only to weaken into fourth behind Meraas.

An improved performer in 2019, Music Society was a close second in another big field over this course and distance before winning over the stiff five furlongs at Carlisle and in the Ayr Bronze Cup (6f) in September.

Back to a rating just 2lb above his Ayr winning mark, he looks ready to go close.

Preview posted at 1638BST on 25/07/2020

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