Trainer Tony McEvoy will set Risen From Doubt for the $1 million Blue Diamond after his impressive first-up win in the Maribyrnong Trial Stakes – Melbourne’s first race of the season for two-year-olds.
The colt by Not A Single Doubt was purchased for $140,000 at the Gold Coast Magic Millions sale.
Risen From Doubt winning the Maribyrnong Trial Stakes at Flemington - photo by Race Horse Photos Australia
Starting favourite, Risen From Doubt ($4.60) made his intentions known with 200m left in the 1000m sprint, with Nick Hall stepping on the accelerator and motoring away to win by 2-1/2 lengths at Flemington on Saturday.
Exceed And Excel colt Jabali ($5.50) finished second with Boomwa ($31), a son of Mutawaajid, another 1-1/2 lengths third.
McEvoy said he was concerned Risen From Doubt might have been caught up between runners but was pleased with the way Hall found a gap.
“These early races are won by horses that really want it,” McEvoy said.
“That’s the best he’s gone and it was lovely to see him do it game day.”
He said Risen From Doubt would go to the paddock and be aimed at the Group One Blue Diamond in February.
Last year’s winner, Miracles of Life, was also sired by Not a Single Doubt.
“He’ll be a different horse in the autumn,” McEvoy said.
“If he can beat them like that now I’d watch out in the autumn.”
Hall had ridden Risen From Doubt in two trials and described the colt as “the complete package”.
“He was quick through that gap when there was a 50-50 chance and he was game to take it,” Hall said.
