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Jason Warren’s 2018 Magic Millions 3YO Guineas bound gelding Bel Sonic produced a soaring piece of work in Brisbane on Friday getting the tick of approval from Group 1 hoop Ben Melham ahead of Saturday week’s major.
The three-year-old son of Bel Esprit chases his third win on the trot heading to the Gold Coast Racecourse on January 13 for the Restricted Listed $2 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m).
In a final tune-up for the lucrative summer clash, Bel Sonic was put through his paces in an open Eagle Farm jump-out by Melham who flew in specifically for the 800m trial.
Melham partnered the progressive youngster last start at Moonee Valley on December 23 where the Mornington-trained horse took his record to three wins from five runs in the $120,000 VOBIS Gold Carat (1200m).
Warren was full of pre-Magic Millions confidence soon after Friday’s jump-out with Melham volunteering himself for stable duties immediately after.
“I got a photo of him hosing the horse off after the trial so I reckon that’s a good sign he was happy with the way the morning went,” Warren told Racing Victoria.
“I even got him cleaning the stables. I said ‘while you are standing there, grab a rake’ and he was happy to do so.
“Means the horse must be going OK!”
The open trial has Bel Sonic in peak fitness for his Magic Millions Race Day grand final where Warren believes the up-and-comer will prove his ability at 1400m for the first time.
“He finished in fourth spot [in the trial]. He settled back in the field and they ran along really sharply and only over the 800, he finished off really good,” Warren said.
“He’s looking for 1400 metres now. His form is terrific and he’s a progressive horse and certainly shouldn’t be ruled out.”
The latest all-in Magic Millions 3YO Guineas odds at Ladbrokes.com.au list Bel Sonic as a $15 shot to salute in his Gold Coast debut.
The futures markets are dominated by the Gregory Hickman-trained Pierro colt Pierata ($2.75) after his Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate (1350m) win by 2.5 lengths in Brisbane on December 30.
Warren though remains confident his contender can give the favourite a run for his money and continue to reward connections who picked Bel Sonic up for a steal at $90,000 two years back.
“He arrived on Saturday night and he’s settled in really well,” Warren said.
“He’s just getting used to the heat and the new surroundings and his behaviour has been much better than what it had been.
“He’ll probably have a gallop next Tuesday or Wednesday to have a look at the Gold Coast track and that should have him ready to go.”
The official Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas 2018 field is out on January 8 followed by updated odds online at Ladbrokes.com.au.
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