Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott’s team could have up to four runners in the upcoming Magic Millions 2YO Classic after Knightsbridge scored an impressive debut win at Randwick.
The colt, sent out as the $3.20 favourite, justified his $750,000 Gold Coast Yearling Sale price by winning the Kia Ora Yearlings @ MMGC Plate (1000m).
Knightsbridge overpowered early leader Thyme To Go late, scoring by one length, with Profitable a half-length away in third.
After two trials leading into the run, the $3 million Gold Coast feature over 1200 metres on January 17 is now firmly on the agenda.
“He got to both of his trials quite quickly this preparation and he still has good improvement in his fitness coming into today and that is good stepping up to a Magic Millions,” Bott said.
The stable deliberately left something in reserve on debut, a plan that paid dividends as the son of Farnan hit the line strongly.
“He’s got a beautiful attitude and nothing worries him,” jockey Adam Hyeronimus said.
“I was quite concerned pre-race with Final Gift and I stressed to the owners that I didn’t want to be following him but that horse probably won us the race by pressuring the leader.
“We were always going to be strong late and he was.”
Hyeronimus believes Knightsbridge will improve again when rising in distance under high pressure.
Knightsbridge is a half-brother to Semana, who showed her best form between 1400m and 1600m at black-type level.
He is rated a $15 chance with betting sites for the Magic Millions Classic in a fortnight.