Trainer Jason Coyle will target spring carnival Group One races with Salsonic after the gelding’s last-to-first win in the Group Two Queensland Guineas at Doomben.
Despite trailing the second last horse by at least four lengths entering the back straight at the 1200m, Salsonic ($14) produced a whirlwind finish to win the Guineas by 3/4 length from Volpino ($51).
Niccanova, the $4.60 Crownbet.com.au favourite, was an unlucky third, a half length away, after being badly blocked for a run in the straight.
Before Saturday, Salsonic had won only one race from 14 starts but Coyle was convinced his record should be much better and backed his judgment by targeting the Guineas.
“If things had gone his way at his past three starts he’d come here with a few wins alongside his name,” Coyle said.
“Basically he’s been running up the bums of other horses at his past few starts and today with a bit of luck in running he showed what he can do.”
Coyle firmly believes what Salsonic has shown this year is only a taste of what is to come in the next 12 months.
“The progression he’s made from a young horse to now is as good as you could ask for and he’s still probably that prep away,” he said.
“That was his grand final today and we’ll start looking at options for him in the spring.
“Late spring races like the Cantala Stakes at Flemington would suit him and come the autumn next year he might be up to some of the really nice horses.”
Jockey Brad Stewart was pleased with the effort of Volpino while Anthony Allen had a hard-luck story after Niccanova finished third.
“I didn’t get the run I wanted until the 150 metres and when he got out he really flashed home,” Allen said.
“It was a terrific effort for him to run third from where he was.”
