It was entirely appropriate LOOKS LIKE and GENUINE AL won 24 hours apart for the Paul Duncan stable.

To say both horses have been a work in progress is like saying the All Blacks are a useful rugby team.

Looks Like gives new meaning to the term ‘quirky’. From day 1 when he was sourced as a one-win horse from a single-horse establishment in New Zealand he let you know he wasn’t entirely comfortable with change. Paul had to take him along gently and gradually the son of Niagara came around to the stable’s and Paul’s way of thinking.

Most of his riders don’t have too much love to convey for the rugged gelding, but Luke Tarrant, with his unique blend of horsemanship, got his confidence and won on him at Ipswich in late July, The ride at the Gold Coast on Saturday went to longtime stable associate Brad Pengelly, who rode the horse perfectly. Looks Like’s best efforts have been when moved up from a reasonably handy position in running to challenge on the home bend and lodge a tough home straight fight. That’s what Pengelly did and Looks Like produced the rest for his second win from six Australian starts.

“He can go for a spell now,” said Duncan. It was Looks Like’s first career step up to 2200m and he saw the trip right out. He should not be difficult to place as a stayer next preparation.

Neither should Genuine Al, who justified his favouritism by beating joint favourite Tycoon Bella at Caloundra on Sunday. Making the most of Zac Lloyd’s 3kg claim, Genuine Al took up the running and powered home down the home straight to score stylishly.

Genuine Al looks comfortable at Sunday’s 1600m, but don’t be surprised if he eventually shines at a bit further. His stoutly-bred dam Genuine Offer was definitely a staying type who, after winning five and finishing five times second, tackled Gr1, Gr2 and Gr3 staying contests right up to 3200m. Genuine Al looks to have too much natural speed for those trips, but a nice 2000m race should be well within his capabilities.
His talents have required the stable’s well known patience and his dam came to her best form with age.

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