Redoute’s Choice gelding Erfaan will be favourite to complete a running double in the Mackay Newmarket Hcp (1300m) on July 4.

The former southern states galloper won the Lightning Handicap at Mackay earlier this week and trainer John Manzelmann is confident he collect first prize in the $50,000 feature sprint next Tuesday.

Erfaan (5g Redoute’s Choice – Asawir by Last Tycoon) is part-owned by Manzelmann and local real estate agent Ian Black.  He changed hands for $12,000 at the 2012 Inglis Great Southern Sale.

“I bought him off David Hayes,” Manzelmann  said.  “He was always around the money in better races down south so I thought he’d make a good buy for up this way.”

Erfaan was bred by Sheikh Hamdan and is the last of 10 winners produced by Moonee Valley stakes winner Asawir.  A sister to Snippets, she also foaled Adelaide Listed winner Ghareeb (At Talaq) and the dams of G1 performers Rewaaya (Singspiel) and Mushreq (Flying Spur).

Erfaan has won 4 of his 11 starts since moving to Queensland and Manzelmann will take him to Brisbane after the conclusion of the local carnivals.