Gold Coast trainer Trevor Bailey predicted a bright future for Devinardi after the Minardi colt scored an impressive victory in the $250,000 QTIS 600 2YO Plate at the Gold Coast on Saturday.

Devinardi was racing first-up after a 21 week and, despite being a bit underdone, ran out a one length winner from Bianca Jewel (Lion Heart) and Marking Time (Markane).

Devinardi (2c Minardi – Just Devine by Just Awesome) was last seen finishing three lengths behind brilliant youngster Military Rose at Doomben last October.  After watching that filly win the G2 Riesling Slipper earlier in the day at Rosehill, Bailey knew his colt would go close.

“He’s a smart young colt and I knew he had done enough work to be in the finish,” Bailey revealed.  “I was confident because he had done everything right in the lead up.  Now we will get him ready for the winter carnival.”

Devinardi was a $45,000 purchase from the draft of Palmaday Stud at the 2009 Gold Coast Magic Millions.  Palmaday was re-launched by new owners John and Janette Doherty as Secret Hills Farms last year.  It’s 2009 roster comprised Minardi, Exceedingly Good (Exceed and Excel) and Dr Green (Fusaichi Pegasus).

Minardi is by Danzig sire Boundary and is a brother to Coolmore Stud shuttler Tale Of The Cat.  He was crowned Europe’s Champion 2YO in 2000 after winning the G1 Phoenix Stakes at Leopardstown and G1 Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.

Minardi stands at Secret Hills for an $6,000 fee and has averaged over 90 mares in his first three seasons at the Queensland nursery which situated in the Cryna Valley south of Beaudesert.

Devinardi is the first foal from Just Devine who won 8 races in Melbourne and Brisbane.  She has a weanling filly by Minardi and was bred back to him last year.  

Just Devine is by ill-fated Glen Avon sire Just Awesome and is a half-sister to evergreen sprinter Naval Seal (Admiralty) who on 17 races in Queensland and WA.