Ninja lands Hobartville Stakes after tough Magic Millions run

Putting the agony of an unfortunate defeat in the Magic Millions Guineas behind him, Ninja has notched up wins against prominent foes to capture the Group Two Hobartville Stakes at Rosehill.

In his last start at the Gold Coast, the colt raced wide due to his outside gate but battled gamely, and he made up for it in Saturday's 1400m showcase.

"It's good to see him come back and do that," trainer Michael Freedman said.

"It was his biggest test. The Magic Millions Guineas was a disappointment, but I was more interested in how he was going to measure up against the really good three-year-olds down here and job done."

Positioned just behind frontrunner Shangri La Boy, Ninja ($2.70 fav) hit the lead turning for home and dug deep to repel Napoleonic ($4.40) by 1-1/2 lengths, with Autumn Boy ($2.90) flying late for third only a half-head adrift.

The trainer plans to monitor his condition post-race, with a tilt at the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) very much under consideration.

"It wouldn't bother me at all putting him out because I think he's an exciting horse for the future, but if he pulls up well, against his own age group, why wouldn't you (go to the Guineas)?" Freedman said.

Jockey Tommy Berry, who guided him to victory, had mentioned beforehand that the journey north to Queensland had helped Ninja mature, particularly in his on-course conduct, which shone through during the Hobartville Stakes (1400m).

Berry also highlighted how the colt's composed nature would serve him well stretching out to the Randwick Guineas mile.

"I've been saying all week since he has returned to Sydney that Lee (Freedman) had done an amazing job with him in Queensland," Berry said.

"This horse has come back so much more relaxed whether that is trackwork, in the yard, or behind the barriers.

"I think he will run a strong 1600m because it felt like he floated that last furlong.

"The (Randwick) Guineas will be a bigger field, there will be a lot more pressure and he is a better horse when ridden with cover.''

The Caulfield Guineas victor Autumn Boy placed third, and Spring Champion Stakes champ Attica was fourth, both improving from the tail of the field late in the Hobartville for solid showings.

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