Talented colt Dubious was back in the winner’s stall when he beat his two year old rivals in the Group 2 $200,000 Moet & Chandon Champagne Classic (1200m) at Doomben today.

Dubious, above in blue colours winning at Randwick, was back in the winner’s stall in the Champagne Classic at Doomben.

In-form jockey James McDonald settled Dubious in behind the pace and had a lapful of horse ready to explode when the gaps opened up in the straight.

Dubious was racing with the blinkers off today and co-trainer Ciaron Maher was happy to see the colt relax nicely behind the speed.

Dubious is yet to be tested beyond 1200m and Maher said that he was anxiously waiting on McDonald’s report to see if he would step him up in distance during the Brisbane Winter Carnival.

“I would be interested to see what James thinks if he can run a mile or not,’” Maher said.

“I was glad to see him take a sit and it looked like he switched off nicely and quickened up when he wanted him.”

“He has always shown plenty of ability.”

Dubious had no luck from a wide barrier on a heavy track when tenth in the Group 1 $3.5m Longines Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill on March 23 and Maher was happy to see back on a good racing surface today.

“Just got him back on a better surface here today. He loves Queensland, he loves the sun on his back, it is great to be here.”

Dubious had plenty of support in the betting ring and was sent out as the $2.80 favourite and had a one and a quarter lengths to spare on the line ahead of the dead heaters Czarson ($5) and Strasbourg ($6).

Dubious isn’t nominated for the Group 1 $600,000 J.J. Atkins Plate (1600m) at Eagle Farm on June 8 but Maher and co-trainer David Eustace have the chance to throw in a late entry if they think he will handle the step up the 1600m.

The Not A Single Doubt colt does hold a nomination against the older horses in both the Group 1 $700,000 Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m) on May 25 and in the Group 1 $1.5m Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) on June 8 , both at Eagle Farm.