Progressive Al Maher sprinter Monsieur Gustave returned from a spell to post a
blazing three length win in the rain deferred Listed $100,000 Keith Noud Quality
at Ipswich on Wednesday.
The Darryl Hansen trained gelding was in hot form before heading to the paddock
having won Listed sprints at his last two runs in June and July at Ipswich and
the Sunshine Coast.
He returned in similar form, leading all the way for Tiffany Booker to win the
1200 metre dash as he pleased.
Hansen will now target Queensland summer riches for Monsieur Gustave, including
the Group II George Moore Stakes (1200m) at Doomben on December 2 before
progressing towards the Magic Millions Cup (1400m) on the Gold Coast in
January.
His trainer believes it was a blessing in disguise that the Keith Noud was
rescheduled after heavy rain swamped Doomben last weekend.
"I think it was a bit of a favour getting washed out Saturday, the extra few
days from his trial has done him the world of good," Hansen told Sky Racing.
"We will go to all the good (Queensland) races on our way to the Magic Millions
Cup."
With his third stakes win, Monsieur Gustave now has the overall record of seven
wins and three placings from16 starts with earnings in excess of $400,000.
The well-related son of Al Maher was a $34,000 purchase by McLachlan Place
Racing Stables out of the Vinery Stud draft at the 2014 Magic Millions Gold
Coast Yearling Sale.
His dam Saigon Moonlight is an unraced sister to Group III winner Estelle
Collection the dam of the champion sprinter, Lankan Rupee from the family of Lonhro,
Grosvenor and Niello.
Monsieur Gustave is one of 34 stakes winner for Aquis Farm's evergreen Danehill
stallion Al Maher who stands at fee of $13,200.
Al Maher has been in top form this month siring four stakes-winners since the
start of November with Monsieur Gustave joining Silverstream, Money Maher and
the New Zealand based Son of Maher.