A good looking So You Think colt that wins on debut as a short priced favourite is always going to catch the eye as a ‘One to Watch’ on Thursday.
Trained by Danny O’Brien and ridden by Blake Shinn, The Genius was sent out first up in a 1450m maiden and after settling back early was allowed to work into the race and surged to the line to win by half a length.
“He’s a lovely style of horse and moves well and is well bred with a great ownership group,” said Blake Shinn.
“He’s done everything right in his trials and Danny set him right up for a first up win and it’s great to get the right result.
“He’s very athletic and conserves energy so I think he’ll get at least 2000m and there’s plenty of Derbies around next year and we might see him in one.”
The Genius was a $370,000 Inglis Easter purchase for O’Brien Thoroughbreds from the Attunga Stud draft ad was a successful pinhook having been bought as a weanling by James Bester for $130,000 from the Sledmere draft at the MM National Sale,
He is a half-sister to stakes-placed Berkshire Lady and is the fourth winner from four foals to race out of Placement, a talented staying filly by Savabeel that was placed in the Group I VRC Oaks.
Placement is closely related to Group I winner Savy Yong Blonk and $10million Golden Eagle winner I Wish I Win as well as Group winners Strike the Stars and Adelaide Ace.
