Sir Alex Ferguson, on a high after his beloved Manchester United had sealed a record 19th Premier League title at the weekend, will be keeping his fingers firmly crossed his latest bloodstock investment can be similarly victorious at Windsor this evening.

The legendary manager, who last week attended York races and also paid a flying visit in his helicopter to a couple of stables in the Malton area, has bought a share in the highly-regarded Magic City, trained by Richard Hannon and originally owned outright by David Barker, the former North Yorkshire trainer, who lives at Scorton, near Richmond.

Barker is now one of five partners in Magic City, who bids to confirm his Royal Ascot place at Windsor tonight in the Weatherbys Private Banking Conditions Stakes with Richard Hughes in the saddle.

A runaway winner at Newbury on his debut, Magic City was made odds-on to follow up next time at Ascot, but could finish only second. As it turned out, there was precious little wrong with that form. He was beaten by Miss Work Of Art, trained by Richard Fahey, who went on to complete an unbeaten hat-trick of wins in Listed company on Knavesmire last Friday.

Magic City has the Coventry and Norfolk Stakes as Royal Ascot options. He is confidently expected to resume winning ways this evening and keep a smile on Ferguson’s face. The Mark Johnston-trained Braddock, an impressive winner at Redcar last week, may be the biggest danger.

While Hannon and Hughes also have good prospects of winning the opening sportingbet.com British Stallions Studs Maiden Fillies’ Stakes with the promising Balm, Sir Michael Stoute could be the trainer to concentrate on in the Spiffing Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Maiden Fillies’ Stakes, courtesy of Regal Heiress, the mount of Ryan Moore.

Stoute, who produced Heavenly Dawn to win the corresponding race 12 months ago, gave Regal Heiress just one outing as a juvenile last year and she showed no lack of ability or potential in finishing a close-up fifth at Goodwood at the end of July.

Nap selection Quality Art (8.30) can also oblige for Moore as he aims to cut down the long lead of Paul Hanagan in the race for the jockeys’ championship.

At Nottingham tomorrow, Hanagan teams up with Silvanus for Westow trainer Paul Midgley in the Corona Handicap. The Malton rider has an unbeaten three-race record on this horse and scored on him at Musselburgh last month.

The nap vote is awarded to Mr Dream Maker (5.00), who showed glimpses of promise in his three juvenile outings.

Racing selections

Windsor (Tonight)

6.00 Balm, 6.30 Magic City, 7.00 April Fool, 7.30 Mons Calpe, 8.00 Regal Heiress, 8.30 Quality Art (NAP).

Today’s other meetings

Bath, Leicester, Newton Abbot and Wolverhampton.

Nottingham (Tomorrow)

2.00 Bahia Emerald, 2.30 Eureka, 3.00 Silvanus, 3.30 Rare Ruby, 4.00 Baqaat, 4,30 Mashaaref, 5.00 Mr Dream Maker (NAP).

Tomorrow’s other meetings

Brighton, Kempton, Southwell and Towcester.