Magritte supported

Racing News: News from the world of racing

Racing News: News from the world of racing

DERBY BETTING: Magritte, from the powerful Aidan O'Brien stable, has come in for support for the Vodafone Derby with William Hill yesterday and the full-brother to last year's runner-up, The Great Gatsby, is now 16 to 1 from 20 to 1.

"He made a big impression when he ran behind American Post in the Racing Post Trophy last year (third) and there have been some good reports about him recently, so it is no surprise to see some money for him at this stage of proceedings," said William Hill spokesman David Hood.

KEMPTON PREVIEW: Punters are spoilt for choice today with eight meetings in Britain, and those looking for value could do worse than side with Bustan at Kempton. The Marcus Tregoning-trained five-year-old has spent much of the winter in Italy, where he was acting as lead horse to the yard's high-class performer Mubtaker.

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Bustan returned to these shores last month and ran with great credit in the Winter Derby at Lingfield Park on his reappearance.

He raced prominently throughout the 10 furlongs and after holding every chance, was just run out of it close home. He finished third, beaten a neck and a head by Caluki and Anani.

Bustan's jockey Richard Hills dropped his whip about a furlong out, but it probably did not make any difference to his finishing position., and it was nevertheless an encouraging effort.

That was Bustan's first race for 141 days, having finished second in a Listed race at Newmarket last October on his previous start. Bustan clearly retains his ability and will come on for the outing.

He is napped to open his account for the season in the Listed Magnolia Stakes.

Steel Blue gained his first success since his two-year-old days when holding on by a short head from Law Breaker at Doncaster's Lincoln meeting and can follow up in the Sharp Minds Betfair Stakes.