Absalon stamped himself a star on the rise in the Listed Dalrello Stakes (1200m) at Doomben on Monday.

The Magic Millions graduate had won a Sunshine Coast maiden on May 22 and he skipped several grades to score a last stride victory in the $100,000 sprint.

“People thought I was off my head when I said he was a Group horse after the win at Caloundra ,” trainer Jason McLachlan said  “He’s a really good horse.  Not many can step up from a maiden to black-type and win.”

Absalon is raced by Gerry Harvey and is by Vinery sire Mossman.  “Gerry’s racing manager Claire Bird said they would send me one to train – but she was just waiting for the right horse.  This is the right horse alright.”

Absalon (2c Mossman – Danish Seaway by Danehill) was retained by Harvey after failing to reach a $45,000 reserve at the Gold Coast last year.  His dam won over 1800m and she is a full sister to Hong Kong Group winner Sir Ernesto and half sister to Sydney stakes winner Angling.