The lone three-year-old in the race, Hellbent gelding Hell I Am, gave his elders a start and beating in Wednesday’s Vinery Stallions (Bm72) over 1250m at Canterbury.

Ridden by Willie Pike for John O’Shea, the Champion Thoroughbred colour-bearer defeated the fast-finishing Siyouni gelding Le Vizir by three-quarter of a length.

It was the second win at start six for the son of Hellbent, who opened his winning account on a heavy 10 over 1100m at Canterbury on July 7.

“They went at a good gallop, and he was off the bridle a tad, but he joined in nicely at the top of the rise and did a good job,” O’Shea said.

“(The Hellbents) will only get better as they get older.

“He is a really good tough sound horse and a good advertisement for the stallion.

“He has a nice future and has done a good job beating the older horses at this time of year.

“He is a Magic Millions horse, so we will try and pick off another race or two and get him ready for the carnival there.”

A $150,000 Magic Millions purchase for Champion Thoroughbreds from the Edinglassie Thoroughbreds draft, Hell I Am is the first winner for stakes-placed Forest Circle (USA), who comes from the family of US Group I winner Carriage Trail.

Forest Circle was one of 148 mares covered last spring by Hellbent, who remains at a fee of $22,000.

Image: Bradley Photos