James McDonald’s presence at Wyong on a Sunday is a rarity, but he was there for Steel Will, and the colt will now be assessed as a potential carnival contender at Rosehill.

Though not sold through the auction ring, Steel Will is exceptionally bred, being a son of I Am Invincible out of Pittsburgh Flyer, the dam of two-time Group 1 victor September Run.

After a commanding win by more than six lengths at Wyong, the three-year-old colt returns to metropolitan racing for Saturday’s Kia Ora Bloodlines to Headlines Handicap (1300m). Chris Waller’s assistant, Charlie Duckworth, indicated this race is his opportunity to prove he warrants a place among the elite colts.

“James said, ‘I’m going to go and ride it on a Sunday’ so that was a big tick,” Duckworth revealed. “I know it was only a provincial race, but he won by more than six. It’s a fair old margin.

“Saturday gives him his chance to stamp himself and prove that he should be with all the better colts, and that’s hopefully what we will see from him.”

Steel Will is the overwhelming favourite to achieve this and, while he still has to prove himself, he is nominated for the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) next month.

Owned by Sir Owen Glenn’s Go Bloodstock, Steel Will previously finished third behind subsequent Kindergarten Stakes placegetters The Next Episode and Under Focus at Warwick Farm in March, prior to an unplaced run in the Group 3 race.

Duckworth mentioned that the horse had shown more promise at home as a juvenile than what he demonstrated on race days.

“His form at two, it was okay, but it wasn’t as good as what we thought the horse was,” he said. “He had a couple of chinks in his armour, and he’d do a few things wrong. He’s just come in more mature this time around.”

Steel Will is one of three Waller-trained runners in the benchmark race, joined by Your Colour, who must improve on her debut when unplaced in midweek company at Warwick Farm, and the consistent Letters Patent.

“Your Colour needs to lift a bit, but she’s drawn well with a light weight,” Duckworth stated. “Letters Patent hasn’t really done anything wrong. There’s a few of those three-year-olds sitting on the cusp of pushing into Group races or staying in Saturday grade. I guess we’ll find out a lot on Saturday.”

Steel Will is heavily fancied to win his upcoming race. Those interested in betting on the event can find numerous online bookmakers.