Mungrup Stud champion Oratorio (Aus) strengthened his hand for the Perth Magic Millions 2YO Classic when Palace Intruder bolted in at Ascot on Wednesday.

Palace Intruder looked a readymade candidate for the $250,000 sales-related race next month.  He jumped straight to the front first time out and then accelerated to a four length victory in the Westspeed 2YO Plate (1000m).

The Trevor Andrews trained colt joins fellow Oratorio youngster Castle Retreat on the short list for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic at Ascot on February 15.

“He’s got a motor and was just too good for them,” said Damian Wynn who was standing in for Andrews.  “He only had two 400m jump-outs before today so there’s obviously room for improvement.  He’s a good-looking colt and is from a lovely family.”

Palace Intruder (2c Oratorio – Palace Alice by Palace Music) is a half-brother to 2010 Perth Cup hero Lords Ransom (Jeune) and recent Ascot winner King Of The Palace (Danehill Express).  He was a $120,000 buy for a syndicate that includes Andrews, Ken Gregson, Isaac Cohen, Ross Drage and their wives.

Oratorio has claimed two Sunspeed Juvenile premierships but the closest he’s come to a Magic Millions Classic was Leamington’s third placing behind Time To Climb in 2010.

Mungrup completed a Magic Millions Classic hat-trick when its graduate Lock The Vault won in 2005.  That followed the victories of Metal Storm fillies Rose Of Thunder and Scottish Storm.

There are 29 Oratorio yearlings catalogued for the Perth Magic Millions on February 18 and 19.

The precocious colt from Just as Beautiful (Lot 84) will be popular during the first session.  He is a half-brother to G2 Pago Pago Stakes winner Salade who stands at Carrington Park Stud in NSW.

Just as Beautiful was placed in the 2004 Black Opal Stakes and she is a half sister to LR Maribyrnong Trial winner Tropical Affair.

Oratorio –  Just As Beautiful colt entered for Perth Magic Millions as Lot 84