Striking black colt Al
Ridden by apprentice Ben Thompson for Cranbourne-based trainer Ken Keys, Al
The son of Al Maher surprisingly started at $13 despite a strong effort when winning on debut at Wangaratta on March 31.
"I've always really liked this colt," Thompson said.
Ken Keys and his family have been loyal supporters of mine and it's great to reward them.
He's a real nice colt by Al Maher, he's got a great attitude and he's got the looks.
"He's a readymade two-year-old, he's come a long way this prep so I'm really excited to see what he can do at three.
Keys said he was surprised the colt started at such long odds.
"He wasn't regarded by too many at all," Keys said
"I'm not sure people really had a good look at his win at Wangaratta, we thought it was a sensational win.
"He really is a little beauty, a true professional
"We had him ready pre-Christmas but he had a touch of shin soreness and we sent him for a break.
"The fact that he's so professional he could contend at any level.
"There's a stakes race in a couple of weeks that we haven't put a line through yet.
Bred by Churchill Lodge, Al
He is the second foal and second winner out of the 3-time winner Ruby Bre (Rubiton) a half-sister to the stakes-placed Marie Madeleine (Redoute's Choice).
Ruby Bre's
Ruby Bre has had a troubled history in the breeding shed, missing for four seasons before the birth of Al
