Mining tycoon Nathan Tinkler is beginning to have more faith in the ability of his $2.2 million yearling Metallurgical.

The four-year-old gelding disappointed in his early runs by failing to win any of his first ten Sydney starts.

However, a trip north to Brisbane has seemed to be just what the doctor order to improve Metallurgical’s career.

The Redoute’s Choice gelding, who’s failure on the course led to his stud dreams being abandoned in the hope of reviving his career, finally broke his maiden at Eagle Farm last November.

Since then, the expensive yearling has flourished in his new surrounding in Queensland, winning five of his first eight starts and placing second in his past two stakes races.

Trainer John Thompson said there were two reasons for Metallurgical’s transfer up north.

“The reason for bringing him north was twofold,” Thompson said.

“The first was to get down in class and let him go through the grades but more importantly was to get speed on in his races.

“He races best when he can be ridden cold off a hot speed.”

Despite his prior failings, owner Nathan Tinkler has always been fond of the horse.

Tinkler won his first Group 1 race as an owner with Metallurgical’s three-quarter brother, Casino Prince, when he claimed victory in the 2008 Chipping Norton Stakes.

Thompson believes Metallurgical will continue to add more black type to his bloodlines, with the horse being aimed at tomorrow’s Listed Ascot Handicap at Eagle Farm, before a possible Magic Millions Carnival campaign in January next year.

“He had a foot abscess and missed a week of work before his last run, which probably flattered the winner,” he said.

“But everything is in order now, there looks good enough speed and he gets his chance to win a Listed race.”

While the trainer is currently sending Metallurgical to 1,200 metre sprints, he feels the horse will be looking for further soon.

“In the future, he will definitely get 1400m but for the moment these shorter races with good speed on are ideal,” Thompson said.

Metallurgical will face just nine other runners in tomorrow’s race after the talented Adebisi, Temple Of Boom and Excellantes pulled out of the final field.

Excellantes will now be saved instead for the 3YO QTIS race next Saturday.

“He would have needed a new rider with the 53kg and we would prefer to take the 58kg he will likely get in the three-year-old and keep Damian Browne on,” trainer Robert Heathcote’s stable representative Melissa Leitch said.

“The money is just as good and he only has a few more weeks left to run against his own age so we decided that’s the best way to go.”