2026 Magic Millions Guineas ambitions for Rosehill winner

Mortal Halo is beginning to justify the patience shown by his trainers, with Annabel Archibald hopeful the improving colt can press toward the Magic Millions carnival following another strong performance.

The Better Than Ready three-year-old posted his second win when taking out the Vinnie @ Yarraman Park Handicap (1500m) during Sunday’s Rosehill meeting, which was postponed due to extreme heat.

“We’ve always had a big opinion of him but as a two-year-old he just didn’t know where to put his legs,” Archibald said.

“He is better now and it is good to see him put them away.”

Sent out $3.20 favourite, Mortal Halo reeled in Automne Tree ($8) to score by half a length, with The Mona Lisa ($14) close-up in third.

“He looked almost a bit lost in front and I was happy when the other horse crossed in front and had something to chase down,” Archibald said.

The stable is hopeful the colt can progress to the $3 million Magic Millions 3yo Guineas (1400m), though another run may be needed to secure a high enough rating.

A brother to Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) winner Port Lockroy, Mortal Halo continues a strong family record for dam Freezethemillions, whose offspring Aeecee Beau and For Better were also successful for the stable.

“He’s one of the nicest colts I’ve sat on in a long time,” jockey Reece Jones said.

“He’s so professional and a gentleman.”

Mortal Halo, who failed to meet his $260,000 reserve at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale, currently sits at $26 for the Gold Coast feature behind JJ Atkins winner Cool Archie at $3.

The meeting was shifted to Sunday after temperatures surged to 40 degrees on Saturday.

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