Ninja has moved past the setback of a hard-luck finish in the Magic Millions Guineas, beating several top contenders to claim the Group Two Hobartville Stakes at Rosehill.

From a tricky wide draw at the Gold Coast last time, the colt covered extra ground but went down game, yet he redeemed himself in the Saturday 1400m contest.

“It’s good to see him come back and do that,” trainer Michael Freedman said.

“It was his biggest test. The Magic Millions Guineas was a disappointment, but I was more interested in how he was going to measure up against the really good three-year-olds down here and job done.”

Sitting on the back of leader Shangri La Boy, Ninja ($2.70 fav) took command in the final stages and kept at bay the bid from Napoleonic ($4.40) by 1-1/2 lengths, as Autumn Boy ($2.90) stormed into third, a mere half-head behind.

Freedman intends to check on his wellbeing after the run, eyeing a possible entry in the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m).

“It wouldn’t bother me at all putting him out because I think he’s an exciting horse for the future, but if he pulls up well, against his own age group, why wouldn’t you (go to the Guineas)?” Freedman said.

Winning rider Tommy Berry had commented midweek that Ninja’s Queensland stint had brought him on, notably improving his racing etiquette, evident once again in the Hobartville Stakes (1400m).

Moreover, the jockey believes the colt’s easygoing style will assist in tackling the mile trip of the Randwick Guineas.

“I’ve been saying all week since he has returned to Sydney that Lee (Freedman) had done an amazing job with him in Queensland,” Berry said.

“This horse has come back so much more relaxed whether that is trackwork, in the yard, or behind the barriers.

“I think he will run a strong 1600m because it felt like he floated that last furlong.

“The (Randwick) Guineas will be a bigger field, there will be a lot more pressure and he is a better horse when ridden with cover.”

Caulfield Guineas winner Autumn Boy (third) and Spring Champion Stakes winner Attica (fourth) raced at the rear early in the Hobartville Stakes before closing off well for heartening performances.

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