High-priced colt Addictive Nature has an opportunity to justify that outlay when he makes his black-type debut at his third start.

A $775,000 yearling at Karaka, the Bjorn Baker-trained three-year-old makes the rapid progression to Group company in Saturday’s Ming Dynasty Quality Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill.

Baker said the Ming Dynasty had been earmarked since Addictive Nature won on debut for Ultra Racing at Warwick Farm on July 19.

“It was in the back of our mind what sort of direction we’d take and after his debut, the timing fitted in well with it,” Baker said.

“He’s shown ability from day one. He was lucky enough to win a two-year-old race so he definitely deserves his crack.”

“It’s a Group Three. He’s a very expensive colt and it would be nice for him to be competitive.”

Addictive Nature, who was second to Shogun Sun over 1200m at Randwick on August 5, won his third straight barrier trial at Kembla Grange last Wednesday and worked well on Tuesday.

“I’m really happy with him and he gets in with a pretty good weight (55.5kg),” Baker said.

Baker is also looking forward to the return of five-year-old mare Bonny O’Reilly in a Benchmark 95 Handicap (1200m), alongside stablemate Sir Plush.

Bonny O’Reilly races for the first time since a disappointing 15th in the Group One Tatt’s Tiara at Doomben on June 24.

“She’s definitely come back stronger from Queensland,” Baker said.

The race will be her lead-up to the Group Three Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on September 9.

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au