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By Ray Hickson

There was something about the way Gatsby’s treated his rivals in his first-up win that told champion jockey James McDonald he might be a special colt.

James McDonald

So it’s no surprise that McDonald would want to stick with the Chris Waller-trained three-year-old and find out in his next test in the Group 3 $250,000 Smithfield RSL Club San Domenico Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

His presence sets up a mouth watering clash with beaten Golden Slipper favourite Storm Boy, who McDonald has previously partnered to victory so it's not a stretch to believe Gatsby’s must have really impressed him.

Gatsby’s, $2.10 with TAB on Thursday, clocked the meeting’s fastest last 600m (33.48, Punter’s Intelligence) when he scored in the Rosebud over the same track and distance two weeks ago.

“He was brilliant, he’s just come back really well. He put the writing on the wall, it’s really good to see,’’ McDonald said.

“The way he put them away was pretty good, wasn’t it.

“I’m very happy with Gatsby’s and it’ll take a good horse to beat him.”

McDonald has won the San Domenico twice, on Nostradamus a decade ago and Anders in 2020.

Gatsby's is currently on the third line of betting for the Group 1 $1m Golden Rose (1400m) on September 28 at $8 in TAB’s all-in market, with his San Domenico rival a $7 chance.

He was adamant after his Rosebud win that Gatsby’s will likely be seen at his best over the shorter trips so it’s worth noting he’s being kept safe as a $15 chance in the TAB Everest market.

“He feels pretty fast to me so sprinting trips are right up his alley,’’ he said.

“He’s a real tradesman sort of horse who gets out there and does the job. I’m not sure where he’ll fit in the pecking order but he’s going the right way.”

Willaidow is another horse McDonald is confident can keep raising the bar.

The front-running sprinter scored an all the way win second-up at Randwick three weeks ago with JMac in the saddle and he feels the Mounties Group Handicap (1200m) is far from beyond him.

“I love him, there’s something about him. I think he’s a pretty good horse, he keeps improving and I don’t think I’ve felt the best of him yet,’’ he said.

“I’ve only had two rides on him for a second and a win and I reckon there’s more to come.

“This is a tough race but from what I gather I think he’s probably a level or two above this so I’m hoping he keeps improving.

“I’d love to see him stretch a bit further and if he can do that he’ll be a top notch horse.”

The eight-time premier Sydney jockey is batting at 36 per cent for the month of August in town with a staggering 20 winners and is already 11 clear in the premiership.

Gatsby's wins at Rosehill on August 17

He’s made a habit of coaxing wins out of horses with poor strike rates of late, including his win on The Englishman on Wednesday, and he’ll be out to weave some magic on Arts in the Midway Handicap (1800m) and Ceolwulf in the Bankstown Sports Handicap (1500m).

“It’s been a great start for sure, I’m very happy with it so hopefully the momentum keeps going,’’ he said.

“Arts looks very well placed, she gets out to her correct trip. She has a good gate and there’s a sense of timing about her to improve.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Rosehill meeting