Champion jockey James McDonald has been booked to ride debut winner Rivellino when the colt returns to Randwick on Saturday to contest the $2 million Inglis Millennium (1100m).
The Kris Lees-trained youngster was ridden by stable apprentice Benjamin Osmond when he won over 1000 metres at the track on his sole competitive start in January.
However, McDonald was eager to ride the son of Too Darn Hot after steering him to second place in an 800-metre barrier trial at Randwick on January 28.
“James McDonald has trialled him and will ride him, so that’s a positive,” Lees said.
“He looks a nice horse. He has got a little bit of work to come. He had a good blow after the trial so there is a bit of improvement to come off it, and I’m looking forward to getting him to the races.”
If all goes well this weekend, Lees hasn’t ruled out Rivellino, who is the $4 market leader with horse racing betting sites for Saturday’s race, potentially heading for the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill on March 22.
“I think he could (go for the Golden Slipper), but it’s a run at a time with two-year-olds when they’re up early so we’ll see,” the trainer added.
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