Keane at double on Magical Hope in Munster Oaks Paddy Twomey's second-string Magical Hope made most and was strong at the end of 1m4f in the Group 3 Darley Munster Oaks Stakes at Cork. In saying she was his second-string, she was second favourite at 3/1 behind 11/10 favourite Bubble Gum (fifth), so Twomey held a very strong hand in this €60,000 contest. Colin Keane sent her on early and asked her to increase her advantage charging to the final furlong. She responded in game fashion as the closers could make no impression in the closing stages. The Frankel filly brought up a double for Keane who was earlier successful on Suzie Songs for Ger Lyons. She beat Lemsairbat (18/1) by two and a-quarter lengths and the runner-up shaded the third home, Enfranchise (17/2), by a nose. . This was her Magical Hope's second run on Irish turf having finished third in Listed class at the Curragh. Previously, she had raced extensively in France and Germany for Henri-Alex Pantall after one spin in Chelmsford for Charlie Appleby. Twomey said: "She is a nice filly who had a very good run at the Curragh on quicker ground than she'd love. She was taking on a gelding (Trustyourinstinct) who had a lot of racing done at a high level, she got tired in the last 100 yards so I thought that was a good run. "I thought this was a good spot for her, Colin gave her a lovely ride and kept it uncomplicated. "I liked her in France last year, I put a syndicate of people together to buy her and I appreciated their support, so I'm glad she has repaid them. She is a Group 3 winner in Ireland now and we'll try and step forward again. "She has good entries, is in the Pretty Polly and stays 1m4f well so we'll look to explore that option. They are a bunch of owners who will enjoy a filly like her and she'll be campaigned up in grade next. "I thought Bubble Gum would run a big race, but she never seemed to be able to hold her position through the race. We'll take her home and see." Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
