The John O’Shea stable has been in hot form over the summer and the winning run continued at Wyong when talented Hellbent three year-old gelding Hell I Am resumed from a spell to win the $100,000 Magic Millions 3YO & 4YO Classic (1200m).
Fifth in the Wyong Magic Millions 2YO Classic last year when making his debut, Hell I Am was subsequently gelded and hit a purple patch of form in the early spring when he reeled off three metro wins on wet tracks in July, August and September.
Tuned up with a recent trial, Hell I Am was sent out favourite with James McDonald on board and gave his supporters no cause for concern when he cruised into the race and powered clear to win by more than a length over his stablemate Shalailed.
Hell I Am has proven a great money spinner with four wins and a second from eight starts with prizemoney just shy of $250,000.
He and the runner-up Shalailed will have one more run in Sydney before heading to the Gold Coast for the $2million Magic Millions Guineas (1400m) on January 14.
James McDonald was pleased with Hell I Am and believes there is plenty of upside to take from today.
“He was first up off one soft trial…I gave him a little sound out, but he’s come on immensely,” said McDonald.
“He felt terrific on that ground as well as he’d only raced last time on really testing heavy ground, he’s a lovely horse.”
A $150,000 Magic Millions purchase for Champion Thoroughbreds from the Edinglassie Thoroughbreds draft, Hell I Am was bred by Jason Abrahams and is the first winner for stakes-placed Forest Circle (USA), who comes from the family of US Group I winner Carriage Trail.
Forest Circle has foaled this spring producing a filly by Hellbent and her yearling filly by Magna Grecia (IRE) will be offered at Magic Millions by Edinglassie as Lot 879.
Hellbent has had a productive start to the season siring the winners of over $1.1million in prizemoney and has 15 entries for Magic Millions.