James McDonald and trainer Chris Waller made their mark at Warwick Farm, even on a midweek card, with McDonald guiding debutant Kilman to victory in the Chase The Dream Handicap (1100m).

McDonald, who described the win as a birthday present for Waller, praised the two-year-old’s smooth performance.

“He’s a lovely made horse. He rides beautifully as well,” McDonald said.

Though Waller wasn’t at the track, his assistant Charlie Duckworth was pleased with Kilman’s authoritative win after a solid series of barrier trials.

“Initially, he was quite a handful, but he’s relaxed a lot as the preparation has gone on,” Duckworth said.

Kilman ($3.20) won by a length over the wayward Grand Eagle ($2.80 fav), with Frostfire ($7) finishing third.

While McDonald had a strong start to the meeting, he was stood down from his final two rides due to dehydration but is expected to be fit for Saturday’s Randwick Guineas.

Trainer Joe Pride also confirmed that lightly raced filly Brigidine Gal would now head to the Group 3 Kembla Grange Classic (1600m) next week after securing her second win.