Mr Chard started the Flemington Cup Carnival on a winning note for Magic Millions in the G3 Carbine Club Stakes on Saturday.

Prepared on the track by Dean Lawson, Mr Chard enjoyed a lovely run, one out and one back throughout, before coming with a brilliant burst in the straight to win impressively.  The win was the second straight at stakes level for the colt following his previous race success in the Listed Gothic Stakes at Caulfield.

The main worry now for Lawson is whether to run in the upcoming Sandown Guineas or send him to the paddock with Sydney’s autumn carnival in mind.  “We’ll see how he pulls up,” Lawson commented.  “I’d prefer not to because I’d really love to get him to Sydney for the autumn.

“I’ve said it from day one – he’s an autumn three-year-old and he’s still got a bit of filling out to do. The Rosehill Guineas and the AJC Derby are his goals.”

Mr Chard sent his earnings soaring to over $340,000 with the win – not bad considering Lawson paid just $18,000 for him at last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

“He’s been so much more of a relaxed horse this time,” Lawson said.  “When Bossy rode him early on and when Craig’s ridden him – they’ve both said he will run 2000 metres.  He just goes to sleep. And when you want him to click on he ignites. He’s a good horse.”

Lawson had double reason to celebrate the win – earlier this year they paid just $9,000 for Mr Chard’s full sister at the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale.  “We couldn’t be happier,” Lawson beamed. “It makes her look a real bargain doesn’t it!”

Mr Chard’s sire Al Samer (Redoute’s Choice) was also a graduate of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.  The Carbine Club winner is the first runner to date for unraced Secret Savings mare Najar who is a half sister to Lawson’s former top class galloper Cool Trent.