Ciaron Maher-trained colt Unit Five has taken another step toward the Magic Millions 2YO Classic with a tidy barrier trial win at the Gold Coast on Monday morning.
The Supido youngster had been scratched from a Sydney trial last week as connections carefully managed his build-up to the $3 million feature on January 17.
Ridden by Tom Stockdale in his 1000m heat, Unit Five settled just behind the leader on the fence before showing a sharp turn of foot when a gap presented. He pushed through strongly to score by three-quarters of a length, held together late, with fellow Magic Millions contender Mystical working home into third.
Unit Five was an $80,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Widden Stud draft for his trainer and carries a strong Widden connection, with several staff members part of the ownership group. The colt was also bred by Widden Stud.
He made an immediate impression on debut when winning the Magic Millions Victoria Classic, stamping himself as a serious contender for the Gold Coast feature.
