Bell looking for Magic repeat

Michael Bell is hoping a 12-month plan can bear fruit at Ascot on Sunday when Magic Rainbow lines up in the Stg£80,000 Hong Kong Jockey Club Sprint.

The Newmarket trainer has had this race in mind for the six-year-old ever since he landed the spoils from Compton Banker in the same contest 12 months ago.

And he reports that his charge is in good heart despite some disappointing form-figures achieved in his three starts this season.

'He has been trained for this race all year, basically since he won last year,' Bell said today.

'Last year we gave him a run at Ascot two days before but although he has an entry I don`t think we`ll need to do that this time - he looks to be in really good form.

'This is the first time that Jamie Mackay has ridden him this season and he has dropped back down to 82, the same mark from which he won last year - the only difference is that Jamie can only claim 3lb this year instead of 5lb.

'It looks like Eastern Purple will run which leaves us on 7-11, 7-8 if you include the claim, which is a great weight.'

Magic Rainbow`s form this season has been patchy but Bell hopes that improvement will be forthcoming on Sunday.

'He ran well at Kempton when he was fifth but then he just ran badly at Newcastle - I can`t say I know why but that`s just the way it is with sprinters sometimes,' Bell added.

'But everything seems to be right now and hopefully he`ll run another big race.'