Australia beckons smart three-year-old Sacred Day

Talented three-year-old Sacred Day is in line for a trip across the Tasman.

The son of Azamour’s connections are looking at their offshore options with the destination to be confirmed after his next appearance.

‘‘Although the Derby field here fell away a bit, it was too soon for him so we have to do the right thing by the horse,’’ trainer Tony Pike said.

‘‘He’ll run in the special conditions mile on Saturday and then we’ll think about Sydney or if we wait for Brisbane.’’

Sacred Day was a debut fourth in the spring before he was put aside and returned in emphatic fashion earlier this month at Hastings where he won his maiden by a wide margin last month.

Pike was more than satisfied when the gelding finished runnerup at his following start over 2000m against the older horses at Poverty Bay.

‘‘He’s a promising horse with a very good future,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, stablemate Magic Chai will be given the opportunity to complete a notable staying double when he runs in the Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m).

The Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m) winner trialled to stipendiary stewards’ satisfaction at Avondale after the gelding was put on notice after missing the start badly last time out in the Nathan’s Memorial (2400m).

‘‘He was just a bit too fresh, but he jumped perfectly at the trials today,’’ Pike said.

Magic Chai settled midfield on the fence in his 1200m heat and rider Leith Innes let him coast to the line under his own steam.