James McDonald has been confirmed to ride debutant winner Rivellino in the $2 million Inglis Millennium, a decision trainer Kris Lees believes adds significant confidence to their chances.

Although stable apprentice Benjamin Osmond guided the colt to victory in his only start, a two-year-old maiden in January, McDonald took the reins for a Randwick barrier trial and was sufficiently impressed to secure the ride for the Millennium.

“James McDonald has trialed him and will ride him, so that’s a positive,” Lees said.

“He looks a nice horse.

“He has got a little bit of work to come. He had a good blow after the trial so there is a bit of improvement to come off it, and I’m looking forward to getting him to the races.”

Rivellino, sired by Too Darn Hot and out of the So You Think mare Intrinisic, was also trained by Lees. The colt demonstrated his potential by overtaking the more seasoned The Magic Man on debut at Randwick, with the latter later finishing second to Golden Slipper favorite Wodeton.

Currently, Rivellino is second in the betting for the Inglis Millennium (1100m) at $4.50, trailing joint favorites Price Tag, who placed second in the Blue Diamond Preview at Sandown last weekend, and the unbeaten Within The Law, both priced at $4.

At $51 in Golden Slipper odds, Lees is keeping his options open for Rivellino’s autumn campaign, depending on his performance.

“I think he could, but it’s a run at a time with two-year-olds when they’re up early so we’ll see,” he said.

Meanwhile, stablemate Gobi Desert, who is also highly ranked for the Inglis Millennium, will not participate. The Max Lees Classic winner was given a brief break after a tough run in the Inglis Nursery and has only recently resumed training.

“We will aim her more towards the late autumn and into the Scone carnival,” Lees said.