Logician's record never in doubt

Logician only had to face one rival

Ashley Iveson

Last year's St Leger winner Logician maintained his unbeaten record with a facile victory on his eagerly-awaited return in the Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Conditions Stakes at Doncaster.

Facing only one rival in Charlie Appleby's Mythical Magic, Logician was sent off a 1-12 shot and the manner of his win reflected that price.

A sick horse over the winter, he was back on track almost a year to the day since his Classic success on Town Moor, but he was racing over half a mile less.

Frankie Dettori bounced him out of the stalls and John Gosden's grey was keen enough early, but he was not going fast enough for Mythical Magic, who took over briefly turning into the straight.

Once Dettori asked Logician to quicken, his sole rival could not go with him and he was ridden out with just hands and heels for a comfortable seven-length win.

Gosden said: "We're very happy. He came here very composed and I always think in a race like that, go and set your own pace.

"William's (Buick) horse (Mythical Magic) was keen in behind, so as soon as they got to the top of this long straight, he came and joined us. It was a nice, proper stretch - he's finished very well and comfortable under hands and heels.

"He's having what I call a nice blow, not a stressful blow. You've got to remember this horse had two months in intensive care and I can have nothing but praise for the veterinarians at the Newmarket Equine Clinic for saving his life twice, so that he can be here today.

"We're very pleased to see him back - it's been a long road."

As for the future, Gosden said: "There'll be no immediate plans. He's well entered in the autumn, but I'd like to see how he is in the next 10 days before even thinking about another race.

"If you'd seen him in the clinic, as I did - I thought I'd never see him again. Just to get him back here is extraordinary in itself.

"We couldn't be more pleased at this stage, but I don't want to commit to anything now.

"Anything is possible. We're on the cusp of the autumn if we want to run again this year, but the horse will tell us.

"I think having missed most of this year, next season for a big, strapping horse like him, as a five-year-old, is very much a key option. I think one might have one's mind focused on that, as much as anything else.

"We know a mile and a half is spot-on for him, so next year he'll have races like the King George as an absolute target."