Kris Lees knew from early on that Rivellino had above-average talent, and his decision to book James McDonald paid off with victory in the $2 million Inglis Millennium.

The race, limited to horses purchased at Inglis sales, still contributes prizemoney towards securing a spot in the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) next month.

Rivellino was passed in at the 2024 Inglis Classic sale but was later bought for $180,000, qualifying for the Millennium.

Although based in Newcastle, Lees arranged two Sydney trips for trials leading into the 1100-metre race.

“I thought it was easier to take the horse to J-Mac rather than get him to come up and ride it,” Lees said of McDonald.

Blinkers were applied in Rivellino’s second trial, which contributed to his sharp performance in the Millennium.

“He’s a smart two-year-old and I’d say we’ll be pushing on to some degree. You could see him in the Golden Slipper, for sure,” Lees said.

Lees is considering the Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on February 22 for Rivellino ($4), but also keeps the Group 1 Inglis Sires’ (1400m) on the table as a lucrative backup.

Rivellino is raced in partnership with the Throsby family, and the red and green colours hold special significance for Lees.

“The colours have been worn by some very good horses, and my first winner back in the nineties had them in a maiden at Newcastle,” he said.

Bjorn Baker-trained Within The Law ($5) was a strong second, finishing just a long neck behind the winner.

“We had the winner’s back and challenged it late, but he just had a big enough lead on me,” jockey Jason Collett said.