Bargain-buy Celestial's star is rising for the Magic Millions

STUART Kendrick stitched up his first Magic Millions Classic runner with Celestial Dragon after an impressive performance yesterday.

Celestial Dragon has moved to equal sixth on the Magic Millions order of entry after his Doomben win. Picture: Mark Calleja

STUART Kendrick stitched up his first Magic Millions Classic runner with Celestial Dragon, a colt jockey Tim Bell believes will find three lengths when ridden more quietly.

Celestial Dragon moved to equal sixth on the Magic Millions order of entry with the win, ensuring Kendrick will be a player in the $2 million 2YO Classic for the first time.

Celestial Dragon was promoted to $17 in TattsBet's Magic Million market behind Echo Gal ($4.50) and Oakleigh Girl ($5).

"I had a runner (Avaladyluck) in the Guineas last year, but this will be my first in the two-year-old," Kendrick said.

"Tim gave the indication he didn't travel that comfortably in the wet ground first up but she still won.

"He's a foolproof horse and doesn't need a lot of work, so he will go straight into the Millions now."

Bell felt he had his rivals covered as far out as the 600m point.

"I thought it would take a very good horse to run me down," he said.

"I would like to see him chase one. I think he will find two to three lengths. In his jump outs he sat back and ran them down.

"I think he's a genuine chance (in the Millions)."

Celestial Dragon, a son of Lyndhurst Stud's consistent winner getter Hidden Dragon, is the latest addition to racing's bargain buys. He cost Darby Racing a mere $10,000 as a yearling.

Jason McLachlan said he is likely to keep his Millions options open with beaten favourite Divine Service (third).

"All he wants to do in his races is relax. He will make a lovely horse. On his breeding he's surprised everyone with what he's done so far," he said.

"We will keep him in work because quite often a lot of horses go by the wayside between now and the Millions."

One of those that has already succumbed is last week's impressive debutante Ambitious Blonde, who has been sidelined with bone chips.

Trainer Tony Gollan said the Falvelon filly will need at least six months and doesn't expect her to race again until next season.