Caloundra trainer Paul Duncan produced another staying prospect when first time starter Genuine Al landed some big bets with his win at the Sunshine Coast.
The official betting fluctuations on Genuine Al were $4 into $2.40 but most corporate bookmakers quoted as much as $13 when markets first opened.
Ridden a bold front-running race by Stephanie Lacy, Genuine Al was far too strong in a maiden over 1300m on Wednesday.
Duncan has now had two New Zealand-bred debut winners inside a week after Tavis Town won at the Gold Coast last Friday,
Tavis Town is by Tavistock, a well known sire in Australia, but Genuine Al is by the now defunct sire Atlante.
Duncan said Genuine Al had been staying bloodlines on both sides of his family.
“Atlante has had a lot success in New Zealand and Genuine Al’s dam Genuine Offer won up to 2500m,” Duncan said.
“I got Genuine Al at the New Zealand ready to run sales. He has been a bit of a handful but Stephanie (Lacy) has helped get him right,” Duncan said.
Duncan previously won more than a dozen stakes races in New Zealand including Group One victories in the the New Zealand Oaks (Midnight Oil), Wellington Cup (Oarsman), the Thorndon Mile (Say No More) and Thoroughbred Breeders (Say No More).
He has been training on the Sunshine Coast since 2012 and has prepared a steady stream of winners.
Trainer Tom Bourke’s decision to have veteran Drumbeats Choice closer to the pace paid off when the seven-year-old won the Open Hcp (1400m).
Drumbeats Choice ($5.50) has won ten of his 63 starts but Bourke revealed the gelding was up for sale on a current online auction.
Our Calantha ($2.40) lived up to an easy trial win when he won a maiden (1000m) at his first race start.
The colt was bred and is raced by Magic Millions owner Gerry Harvey who now has several horses with the Toby and Trent Edmonds training partnership.
“He is a nice little colt and he might go on to be handy,” Toby Edmonds said.
Trainer Chris Anderson proved a good judge of potential when One Shy Ruby ($3) won a maiden 1000m.
“I liked her so much I bought her yearling full brother at the recent Inglis Sales,” Anderson said.
“I think they will both be more than handy.”
