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Trainer Kelso Wood believes progressive two-year-old Nikitas will be improved for his third career run in Saturday’s Magic Millions Classic.

Nikitas created a big impression with a 4.8 length romp on debut at Doomben before a last-start third to race rival Zelady’s Night Out in the Group 3 B. J. McLachlan Stakes.

“He’s a nice horse and he’s improving all the time,” Wood said.

“He’s only had the two runs and I’m expecting him to improve a fair bit again.”

Nikitas is drawn in gate three next door to favourite Capitalist and Wood hopes this will allow the colt to secure a nice run in transit.

“We might get a good cart along but it’s hard to say where he’s going to be,” Wood said.

“He should’ve learned a bit more by now and he should hopefully be running about fifth or sixth.”

Wood also has former Magic Millions Classic winner Real Surreal engaged in the Magic Millions Fillies and Mares Handicap and is confident the mare is ready to peak.

“Her two runs have been fantastic without winning and I’m expecting her to race very good.”

Wood hopes Real Surreal will be able to take up a closer position in the running but says the mare just needs galloping room at the business end to produce her best.

“As long as she can get a clear go at them in the straight that’ll be good.”

Wood said Real Surreal would be freshened after the race and aimed at the Stradbroke Handicap and other feature races over the Brisbane winter carnival.

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