The focus might be on Magic Millions two year-olds at present, but at Randwick on Saturday the Kris Lees trained Too Darn Hot (GB) colt Rivellino created a good impression with a debut victory and is a $180,000 Inglis Classic purchase from Lime Country Thoroughbreds.
Given two previous trials which included a win at Rosehill before Christmas, Rivellino was well prepared for the 1000m juvenile maiden and gave apprentice rider Ben Osmond and easy steer as he forged clear to win by two lengths.
Rivellino is eligible for the $2million Inglis Millennium to be run at Randwick on February 8.
"He travelled really nicely in the race and let down really well," Lees' stable representative Cameron Swan said.
"Kris might be looking at a race like the Inglis Millennium in about five weeks.
"Going off that run, he'd be a chance in something like that."
Purchased by Lees Racing / Bahen Bloodstock, Rivellino runs for a big syndicate of stable clients that includes his breeders and was foaled and raised at Segenhoe. He is the second foal and first winner from good metro winning So You Think mare Intrinsic, a daughter of multiple Group placed mare Vecchia Roma.
Intrinsic had a colt foal last year by State of Rest (IRE) and is now in foal to Pride of Dubai.
Rivellino is the 26th winner this season for Darley shuttler Too Darn Hot, who is the leading third season sire by earnings, winners and stakes-winners.
