Magic Millions 3 & 4-Year-Old Classic winner Perspiration looks set to make his return to the racetrack after an eye-catching trial performance at Hobart on Tuesday.

Ridden by part-owner Stephen Maskiell, the talented gelding settled comfortably behind a strong early tempo before being eased to the outside in the home straight. Once asked for an effort, the son of Too Darn Hot quickly asserted his superiority, putting his rivals away within a few strides to score by two lengths. He stopped the clock at 1:00.80 for the 1000-metre heat.

“He settled well because they went so hard up front, it was almost like a race,” said retired Hall of Fame jockey and part-owner Stephen Maskiell after the trial.

“He needed a good hit-out because he’ll head to Caulfield first-up, and he got that today.”

Trainer John Keys has earmarked a Benchmark event at Caulfield on May 30 for the gelding’s return to competitive racing.

Perspiration was originally purchased for $270,000 by Ciaron Maher Bloodstock and Group 1 Bloodstock at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. From six starts under Maher’s care, he recorded two wins, including a Listed victory, before being sold online to Stephen and Yasmin Maskiell for $90,000.

Since joining the Keys stable, Perspiration has raced four times for two victories, highlighted by his success in the Magic Millions 3 & 4-Year-Old Classic and the Royal Rambo Quality on Launceston Cup Day, before heading for a well-earned spell.

Following Tuesday’s encouraging trial, the classy gelding appears poised to resume in excellent order as connections set their sights on a mainland campaign.