After the win of his daughter Catch Me, I Am Invincible looked set to claim the famed Gimcrack Stakes – Breeders' Plate double when Covert Ops led until the shadows of the post in Saturday's Group III Arrowfield Breeders' Plate (1000m) at Randwick but it was the fast-finishing Not A Single Doubt colt Dubious who did the right thing by the sponsor.
Trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustice and carrying the colours of Aquis Farm, Dubious was the best to begin from an outside barrier for Michael Walker. He was obliged to race three deep as Covert Ops took up the running.
Covert Ops looked to have beaten off all challengers but Dubious really began to put in over the final 50 metres to get up by a short-head with Krameric, a son of Coolmore's first season stallion Rubick, one and a half lengths back in third. (photo Steve Hart).
Dubious earns the honour of becoming the first Melbourne trained horse to win the Breeders' Plate.
"He was our most precocious colt," Maher told AAP
"Shane McGrath from Aquis mentioned the idea. It's a stallion-making race and that's what we aim to do with this horse. So he's started his career very well.
"I'm just rapt to be able to win. If it's history, that's even better. Michael Walker does a lot of work for us at home also, so great for him to be on board."
"You'll'' definitely see more of me in Sydney.
"I might leave Dave in Melbourne. That is the plan. We are looking to settle and grow in Sydney."
Bred by Chesapeake Thoroughbreds and Winton Bloodstock, Dudious was purchased by Aquis Farms /Ciaron Maher Bloodstock for $350,000 out of the Kitchwin Hills draft at the 2018 Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
He is the first foal of the Elusive City mare Suspicieuse (FR) who was purchased by Sheamus Mills for 55,000 euros at the 2013 Arqana Breeding Stock Sale.
A winner over 2000 metres and runner-up in a Listed stakes at Chantilly, Suspicieuse (FR) is a half-sister to Group III winner Sediciosa (Rail Link) from the family of successful Japanese stallion Neo Universe (Sunday Silence).
After slipping to Kermadec in 2016, Suspicieuse (FR) was covered by Foxwedge last spring.
Dubious becomes the 59th stakes-winner for Not A Single Doubt who stands at Arrowfield Stud for a fee of $99,000 in 2018.
