Charlee Bear to take on city company

Jockey Kirk Matheson makes his return to Brisbane racing to partner NSW filly Charlee Bear as she attempts to maintain her unbeaten record when she runs at Doomben.

Charlee Bear, who has four wins from four starts in the NSW Northern Rivers region, faces her toughest test in Saturday's Magic Millions Nationals Sale 2YO (1110m).

Matheson has ridden Charlee Bear to her past two wins and trainer Greg Kilner had no hesitation retaining him for the Brisbane ride.

Originally from the Northern Rivers, Matheson had success when apprenticed to Kelso Wood in Brisbane but rising weight forced him back to NSW last year.

The Grafton-based Kilner snared the filly at the Magic Millions sale last year for $4000 and she showed promise from day one.

"She won two trials at Murwillumbah and Grafton and I knew I had something that could gallop," Kilner said.

Kilner kept a share in the filly with his friends Charlie Dogget and Vicky Meyer taking the rest and Charlee Bear has rewarded them with three wins at Grafton and one at Murwillumbah.

"I suppose we are throwing her into the deep end at Doomben from the wide barrier. But the alternative is to stay at home for three weeks and then get 63 kilos in a race where you will be taking short odds-on," Kilner said.