Dual Everest winner Redzel has sparkled in a barrier trial at Canterbury ahead of his return in the Group Two Challenge Stakes.
With his trademark red blinkers back on, the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Redzel led all the way in Monday's heat to beat Viridine by four lengths in 54.63 seconds.
In the other open trial over the distance, the Bjorn Baker-trained Group One winner Music Magnate beat Kementari by a long neck in 54.75s.
Kerrin McEvoy rode Redzel and was also aboard Magic Millions winner Exhilarates who finished second over 893m in a heat won by the Baker-trained unraced filly Let It Pour.
Exhilarates is high up in Golden Slipper betting and is expected to return in the Reisling Stakes (1200m) on Saturday week at Randwick.
Magic Millions runner-up, the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Dubious, won his trial with Yes Yes Yes second.
Formerly trained by Darren Weir, Yes Yes Yes is now with Chris Waller.
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