It was close, but Ciaron Maher and David Eustace trained Dubious has recorded a maiden win in the Group 3 Breeders’ Plate (1000m) at Randwick on Saturday.

In windy conditions, the talented two-year old field set a new race record of 56.45 seconds, narrowly breaking last year’s running of 56.82.

Things got off to a rocky start after leaving the stalls to be re-shod. Jumping from gate 10 always put the colt at long $19.00 odds with Ladbrokes prior to the race, but after finding some room three-wide, he was every chance to storm home late from the outside.

“We brought him here a fraction soft with the idea of that trial bringing him on and Hugh Bowman gave him a good report” Maher said after the race.

It was a crushing loss for race leader Covert Ops, who led from the very beginning. Dubious’ turn of foot was on full display down the straight though as the colt dove toward’s the line to win by a nose.

“Only a little horse, but has a big horse’s action, the further he goes the better he is going to get” jockey Michael Walker said.

The victory marked the first for the stable and the first for Walker in the Breeders Plate.

Seven Breeders’ Plate winners have gone on to win the $3.5 million Group 1 Golden Slipper Stakes the following year, a promising sign for the stable.

“It’s a stallion making race and that is what we aim to do with this horse. He’s started his career very well.” Maher claimed following Saturday’s win.