GERALD Ryan trained galloper CHARLIE BOY’S progression to the $1m Magic Millions 3YO Trophy (1400m) on the Gold Coast on January is gathering pace with the colt to the fore at the Christmas eve trials at Rosehill.
The reigning Danehill Stakes Gr.2 winner hasn’t raced since finishing midfield in the Caulfield Guineas on October 12 immediately after a sound fourth in the Prelude.
Always the solid trialler, Charlie Boy sat three-wide for Nash Rawiller in his 900m heat but still had enough class and quality to gain the ascendancy albeit right on the line to win by a nose.
As his name suggests, Charlie Boy is a son of former Champion French 2YO colt Myboycharlie who has several progeny in the Ryan stable.
Two of those – HEY THERECHARLIGIRL and PEGGY JEAN – finished alongside each other (3rd and 4th) in Heat 3 behind another stablemate, STARZEL.
Both two-year-olds, Heytherecharligirl was a $100,000 Magic Million purchase while Peggy Jean cost $46,000 at the Inglis Classic sale making her eligible for the quarter million race of the same name scheduled for Randwick on January 18.
