Al Maher 3-year-old Derby bound
JANUARY 2, 2010: Al Maher was represented by another highly promising 3-year-old prospect when Kinnersley scored in brilliant fashion to win the first race staged in metropolitan Sydney in 2010.
Sent to post the $2.90 favourite of an 1800-metre handicap at Randwick, Kinnersley took up a prominent position from his outside barrier and was perfectly placed to challenge for the lead on the home turn. The result was immediately put beyond any doubt when the lightly-raced gelding accelerated to a commanding advantage 300 metres from home before crossing the finishing line three lengths clear of his nearest rival.
Kinnersley is raced by one of the many successful Star Thoroughbreds Syndicates formed by Denise Martin and trained by Gai Waterhouse. He has now won two of his four career outings and is in line for a shot at the Group 3 Tasmanian Derby (2200m) scheduled at the end of the month.
As Martin explained in a post-race interview: “I said to Gai that I’ve always wanted to have a runner in the Tassie Derby, [and] now we might have a go with this one.” Martin added: “Either way, I definitely think we’ve got a stakes winner on our hands.”
Kinnersley is one of 21 individual 3-year-old winners by Al Maher so far in season 2009/10. Even before the gelding’s impressive Randwick victory, Al Maher had already passed the notable milestone of $1 million in progeny earnings in this season alone, with major contributions from the likes of Majestic Music, Salinas, All Legal, Lady Gaga, Bint Maher and other notable first crop performers. | 
