Goodfella sets up Melbourne Group One bid

Goodfella makes it successive wins in taking out the Listed Brian Crowley Stakes.

Goodfella has earned a trip to Melbourne as well as a return to the Magic Millions after the colt underlined his class at Randwick.

The promising Bjorn Baker-trained three-year-old confirmed Group One plans in winning the Listed Brian Crowley Stakes (1200m) on Saturday.

Goodfella had to be spelled after flashing home to finish fourth in the Magic Millions Classic in January because he needed throat surgery.

He returned to racing in September and continued to make up for lost time with a half-length win at Randwick as the $2.25 favourite.

Piracy ($7) took second, a short half-head from Andaz ($7).

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“We thought he’d be strong at the finish, he deserves a good race this horse,” Baker said.

“He did a super job as a juvenile, he’s Group placed and he’s tough, tough, tough.”

Baker said the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington was the next priority on November 4, while the $2 million Magic Millions Guineas in January is also on the agenda.

Jockey Jason Collett had no fears about Goodfella stepping up to Group One company in Melbourne despite him lacking a genuine turn of foot.

“It’s not sit, sprint, bang with him. He goes through his gears and he just keeps finding and finding,” Collett said.

“We haven’t seen the bottom of him yet. He keeps doing it easily enough and he seems to have more and more in the tank each time.”