Kinnersley emerged as a Derby contender with a brilliant win in the opening race of the year at Randwick today.

A lightly raced gelding by Al Maher, Kinnersley had to work early to cross from an outside barrier but was still able to sprint clear in the straight and romp away from his rivals to win easily.

An $80,000 purchase from the 2008 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from the draft of Southern Cross Breeders, Kinnersley could have clinched a trip to Tasmania to contest their blue riband with his three length win.

Kinnersley is yet another top prospect purchased from a Magic Millions Yearling Sale by Denise Martin's Star Thoroughbreds operation and Martin was all smiles in the winner's stall.

"Fancy having the first winner of the New Year - it's fantastic," Martin beamed.

Martin said the gelding was one of the most progressive in her Star Thoroughbred team.

"About a month ago we weren't sure about the horse. He won his trials and then got to the races and won very well at Kembla."

"It was a very credible run last week."

"Who knows we might even have a stakes horse. He's going places I think."

Martin said the gelding could well be aimed at a feature race in her native Tasmania.

"A couple of months ago I said to Gai that I'd like to win the Tassie Derby and she said lets see how he goes."

"I've got a week to talk her into in," Martin added.

Waterhouse wasn't on course - she's busy inspecting yearlings at the Gold Coast sales complex of Magic Millions and there's no doubt she'll be looking at Kinnersley's three quarter brother who is set to go under the hammer at this week's auction.

The yearling is the latest from the well related and lightly raced Geiger Counter mare Miss Radiant.

Miss Radiant is therefore a half sister to two stakes winners including the Gai Waterhouse trained Flight Stakes winner Electrique.

The colt is by Danehill's outstanding international son Holy Roman Emperor - the Champion 2YO Colt of France in 2006 and winner of the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.

Meanwhile, an impeccably bred half brother to Kinnersley's stablemate Power and Glory is set to go under the hammer this week.

A member of the Widden Stud draft, Power and Glory held out Proclaimer to win by a half head and give Waterhouse the first two winners on the Randwick card.

By leading Coolmore Stud sire Encosta de Lago, the half brother to Power and Glory is the latest yearling from the group winner and Golden Slipper runner-up Crowned Glory.

The 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale kicks away with the first session at the Bundall complex on Wednesday.

Picture - Sportpix

Magic Millions Media Release Published 01/01/10