Rivellino remains unbeaten after taking out the $2m Inglis Millennium

Rivellino, named after a World Cup-winning Brazilian footballer, could get his chance at Sydney’s juvenile triple crown after a barnstorming win in the Inglis Millennium at Randwick.

Rivellino surges to victory in the Inglis Millennium at Randwick on Saturday. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Rivellino, named after a famous Brazilian footballer, is forging his own reputation after maintaining his unbeaten record at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Trainer Kris Lees and jockey James McDonald combined with Rivellino to win the $2m Inglis Millennium (1100m).

Lees was typically understated post-race but is considering aiming the talented colt at Sydney’s juvenile triple crown comprising the Golden Slipper, Inglis Sires’ and Champagne Stakes.

“Rivellino is a smart two-year-old and I’d say we’ll be pushing on to some degree,’’ Lees said.

“You could see him in the Golden Slipper, for sure.”

McDonald is first-choice rider of boom colt and Golden Slipper favourite Wodeton but he was effusive in his praise for Rivellino.

“He’s a ripper and fair play to Kris, he has always liked him,’’ McDonald said.

“When he rang and said ‘you’ve got to ride this one, I reckon he’s pretty good’, it didn’t take much convincing.

“I rode the colt in a barrier trial and he gave me an excellent feel and that was just what we wanted to see today.”

$180,000 @inglis_sales Classic purchase Rivellino takes home just over $1 Million as he wins the Inglis Millennium in style for @Leesracing and @mcacajamez! 👏@aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/RE3NZktxbd

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) February 8, 2025

Rivellino ($4) enduring a wide with cover and still sprinted fast to win the Inglis Millennium by a long neck from the fast-finishing Within The Law ($5.50) with Artistic Venture ($21) 1¼ lengths away third, just in front of Grafterburners.

Melbourne filly Price Tag was sent out the $3.60 favourite and endured a wide run before tiring late to finish seventh, beaten only about two lengths.

McDonald said Rivellino was caught deep from his outside barrier but he found some cover, the colt relaxed and travelled well through the race.,

“I just needed a little bit of luck and I got that from the 800 (metre mark),’’ he said.

“He’s a really improving type. He’s going to be a force to be reckoned with through the carnival.”

Lees, the champion Newcastle-based trainer, took particular delight from Rivellino’s win, his second from as many starts, revealing part-owner revealed owner and close friend Edward Throsby has raced horses with him since he started training 30 years ago.

“Edward owned my very first winner – Cherokee Lass at Newcastle in 1996,’’ Lees said.

“He’s had horses with me ever since and these colours have been worn by some very good horses. He’s a great mate and it’s always a thrill to win for him.’’

The Throsby family is one of NSW racing’s most successful breeders and Edward’s sister, Edwina, bred champion sprinter Chautauqua.

The Lees-trained Rivellino is by boom stallion Too Darn Hot, the former top sprinter who was raced by renowned English composer Andrew Lloyd Weber and is the sire of three-time Group 1 winner Broadsiding.

James McDonald combined with Rivellino to win the Inglis Millennium. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Rivellino, a $180,000 Inglis Classic Sale graduate, is named after a key member of Brazil’s famous 1970 World Cup-winning football team.

The colt is the first foal to race out of the So You Think mare Intrinsic, who Lees trained to win three races and finish fourth in two Listed events, the Ramornie Handicap and Gai Waterhouse Classic.

“I trained the mother and that is often a bit of a start when you go to a sale,’’ Lees said.

“He is a horse that has continued to improve while we’ve had him in work and from each trial to the races he has continued to go the right way

“He’s got a lot of upside and it is a special feeling today.”

Lees was unsure of Rivellino’s next start but suggested it would be either the Skyline Stakes (March 1) or the Todman Stakes (March 8) before the $5m Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill on March 22.

Within The Law lost her unbeaten record but only gained admirers with her close second.

The Bjorn Baker-trained Within The Law was back at the rear of the field and trailing Rivellino into the straight when the eventual winner sprinted quickly as he reeled in the leaders.

Within The Law didn’t shirk her task and chased after Rivellino to lose narrowly.

“It was a great run,’’ said jockey Jason Collett.

“We had the winner’s back and challenged it late, but he just had a big enough lead on me.”

■ Bubion only beat one runner to the line but earned the $400,000 Women’s Bonus for her all-female syndicate of owners.

Originally published as Rivellino remains unbeaten after taking out the $2m Inglis Millennium