David Hayes-trained colt Henia will be on trial for a crack at the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic when he makes his race debut at Caulfield.
Hayes said he would be trying out a few two-year-olds for the January 14 feature in the next couple of weeks but said the son of Henia could be his best hope.
The chestnut is among the first Australian crop by 2006 World Champion Sprinter and Darley sire Henny Hughes who won six of his 10 starts including two at Group One level.
A $210,000 yearling at this year’s Gold Coast Magic Millions sales, Henia will be ridden by by Nicholas Hall in Saturday’s Laura Butcher Memorial Plate (1100m).
He is one of six unraced runners in the eight-horse field.
Hayes said the colt had impressed him so far and he expects him to run well.
Henia’s only public appearance was at Wangaratta where he easily won a barrier trial by three lengths on November 21.
“He’s in the Magic Millions but he’s got to be running well this Saturday to go for it,” Hayes said.
“He has trialled well though and I quite like him.
“If he won he would be my number one for it (the Magic Millions).”
Henia’s maternal family is light on for black type but his half sister and two half brothers from Thunder Gulch mare Denia have all been winners.
Mick Price-trained Starchine could join Henia on the path to the Magic Millions at the Gold Coast on January 14.
An $80,000 buy at this year’s sale he is a son of Golden Slipper winner Stratum from stakes-placed Rory’s Jester mare Jesterchine.
The only raced runners in the field are Timely Truce, second to Maximus Moonard in the Listed Merson Cooper Stakes at Sandown on November 12, and Jacaranda Avenue who is backing up after finishing second to Member’s Joy at Sandown last Saturday.
AAP TURF
