Lethal Thoughts was set an ambitious task in Queensland around this time last year and the son of So You Think could again be Brisbane-bound after winning Saturday’s Mornington Guineas.
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained colt registered his first win since his debut success at Sale on April 27 last year when he overpowered $2.80 favourite Dashing to win the $150,000 event over 1600 metres.
Lethal Thoughts finished third at Flemington a start after his Sale win, which prompted the Maher/Eustace stable to send him north for the Group 1 JJ Atkins Stakes (1600m) – in which he finished sixth – and assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said he might again be headed north, with the Group 2 Queensland Guineas (1600m) a potential option.
“He promised a lot early, we ran him up in Queensland as a two-year-old and his form tapered a little, in good company, which was a touch frustrating,” Turnbull said.
“It has taken good management from Lucy (Yeomans, assistant trainer) and the team at Cranbourne.
“I think that performance warrants possibly going to Queensland. It’s fantastic for Vic Husslers to have a horse like that, there’s a big group and it would be good for the team to get another one up to Queensland for the carnival.”
Lethal Thoughts, who carries the Vic Husslers colours of Australia-wide syndicators The Racing League, benefitted from a sweet Blake Shinn ride to take out the Guineas.
The $6 chance reeled in Dashing late to score by a neck with Tapa Capall ($15) two lengths away third.
“He’s a bit of a thinker and can be lazy at times, so mindful of that I kept him up on the bridle,” Shinn said.
“He was in a nice, stalking position and I had him ready to pull the trigger when the run presented. He was there for me, did everything right and it was a good win.”
