Special Reward won six of 10 starts under trainer Simon Miller but he has been moved to the Kris Lees stables in Newcastle after Hunter-based syndicators Australian Bloodstock bought a majority share in the four-year-old gelding.

He was less than two-lengths fifth in the listed Testa Rossa Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on September 29 at his most recent start, which was his second attempt at black-type level.

Australian Bloodstock co-director Luke Murrell said Special Reward would be set for The Hunter, which will headline Newcastle's standalone Saturday meeting on November 16. The program will also feature the Max Lees Classic for two-year-olds and the group 3 Spring Stakes.

"He's a really good horse and he'll run in two weeks in a benchmark race in Sydney, then the $1 million race at Newcastle," Murrell said.

"I think this time next year he could be an Everest horse. I've got a really high opinion of him."

Australian Bloodstock raced Brave Smash in the first two editions of the Everest.

Gary Harley reports: Andrew Gibbons and Kris Lees, Newcastle's premier jockey and trainer from last season, will combine with Magic Charlee at Broadmeadow on Tuesday.

The pair, who set personal records last season, were to be represented by Elegant Grace (race 1), Wandabaa (race 2) and Magic Charlee (race 5) at Newcastle, but two were scratched on Monday.

The consistent Magic Charlee contests the 1300m class one handicap.

The four-year-old is ready to win after two runs back from a spell. He was beaten a length by promising mare Deepwood Vale at Scone on September 27.

Gibbons expected him to run well.

"Magic Charlee is a horse I won a race on last preparation," Gibbons said.

"He needed the two runs he has had this time in, and the drop in weight is a positive. He is a trier and has a chance."

Lees also has Wounded Soldier, with Aaron Bullock aboard, in the same race.

Gibbons also rides Bacinblac for Ron Quinton in race four, a fillies and maiden handicap over 1600m.

"Bacinblac is fitter for her first-up run and the 1600-metre trip is more suitable," he said.

Gibbons rode 137 winners last season, then took a break from racing earlier this campaign and went overseas. Since he has been back, Gibbons has been in great form and has ridden 23 winners in the first two months and two weeks of the season.

Central Coast jockey Josh Parr, fresh from a group 1 win aboard Shadow Hero in the Spring Champion Stakes last Saturday, will ride the promising California Salto at Newcastle.

The Snowden filly will contest the 1300m fillies and mares class 1 handicap. She has not raced since a brilliant Warwick Farm two-year-old maiden win on June 12. She has had two barrier trials and will be hard to beat first up.