Trainer Mike Moroney will consider a trip to the Gold Coast for Alburq, but not for the race he was originally going to target.
Alburq was bound for the Magic Millions meeting on January 11 for the maiden race, but now the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) will be considered for the three-year-old.
Overcoming a bumping duel near the 250m mark, Alburq ($6) scored a short-half-head win from That Girl ($4) with the heavily supported $2.70 favourite Can’t Be Done a half-head away third.
Moroney said he would consult fellow connections of Alburq worried the trip and associated humid conditions could take a toll on an autumn campaign.
“He’s not a maiden any longer, so he won’t be going for the Maiden, but we’ll certainly give a bit of thought whether we go for the 1400-metre race or stay here,” Moroney said.
“The stable has a runner in it, Star Surprise, so it depends whether we want another.
“When I put it to (part-owner) Rupert (Legh), he was happy to stay here and go up for the maiden, but now we’ll have to think about it.
“It’s a tough day heat-wise and if you get it wrong you can affect the whole preparation.”
After placings in three of his first four starts as a two-year-old, Alburq was gelded which Moroney said was the key in getting the best from the horse.
“He was a pretty well mannered colt but was on his toes a bit and got pretty heavy,” Moroney said.
“The gelding relaxed him down and he could develop into a really good horse now.”
