Worthwhile winner by Gonski

Gonski two year-old Duckworth earned a trip to Melbourne on the strength of an impressive victory at Morphettville on Saturday.

Duckworth (2g Gonski – Always Vain by Keltrice) is unbeaten after two starts in Adelaide.  He was a first-up winner in October and resumed with another on-pace victory in the Meetings & Events Australia Plate (1000m).

“The Blue Diamond Prelude in a fortnight is an option,” trainer Jon O’Connor said.  “Miracles of Life went across last year and we might see how this one lines up against the better youngsters.

“He’s a professional type and does everything right.  I’ve got a lot of faith of him.  There’s no frills – he’s just a natural racehorse.”

Duckworth failed to make a $10,000 reserve at the 2013 Adelaide Magic Millions.  His dam Always Vain is an unraced half-sister to G3 HKJC Sha Tin Vase winner Always Flying (El Moxie).

Gonski (Danehill) is located at Bunyip-based Oxford Park Stud after starting his stud career at Darley.  He had won a Rosehill juvenile by four lengths on debut and returned to win the LR Concept Sports Stakes at Flemington as a spring three year-old.

Oxford Park studmaster Michael Howard stands Gonski for a $4,400 (inc gst) service fee.