Blue Book surprises Doughty in Doomben win

Tough Gold Coast two-year-old Blue Book continued to surprise his trainer Kelly Doughty when he won at his debut on Saturday.

Blue Book ($11) went straight to the lead and gave nothing else a chance when he beat plunge horse Grim Reaper ($9 to $4.60) in the National Storage 2YO Handicap (1110m) at Doomben.

Doughty admitted Blue Book’s win was a pleasant result.

“He is a big two-year-old and I thought I would give him a preparation and he would go shin sore,” she said.

“But he has stood up to the preparation and that surprised me.”

Blue Book was bred by his owner Phil Sullivan who also raced his sire Denmarket, a former handy sprinter.

“The Denmarkets are starting to get some wins so it is good for the connections. We might look for some more two year olds now as he isn’t a sales horse,” Doughty said.

Jockey Jeff Lloyd said Blue Book had a lot of natural pace but should get over further ground.

Brad Stewart, who rode Grim Reaper, said the colt was looking for a longer trip after his strong-finishing run.