Unit Five tightens Magic Millions Classic credentials with Gold Coast trial win | Just horse racing

Ciaron Maher-trained colt Unit Five has taken another step towards the Magic Millions 2YO Classic with a clean victory in the barrier test on the Gold Coast on Monday morning.

The Supido youth was dropped from a trial in Sydney last week as connections carefully managed his build-up to the $3 million on January 17.

Ridden by Tom Stockdale in his 1000m heat, Unit Five settled just behind the leader on the fence before making a sharp foot movement as a gap opened. He pressed strongly and scored by three-quarters of a length, but was held together late as fellow Magic Millions contender Mystical worked to third.

Unit Five was an $80,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Widden Stud draft for its trainer and has a strong Widden connection, with several staff members part of the ownership group. The colt was also bred by Widden Stud.

He made an instant impression on his debut when he won the Magic Millions Victoria Classic, marking himself as a serious contender for the Gold Coast film.

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