Ciaron Maher and David Eustace’s lightly raced colt Generation made a winning return to the races on Saturday by taking out the Group 3 Red Anchor Stakes over 1200m at The Valley.

The son of Snitzel was backed into $2.10 favouritism in his return from a freshen-up and raced every bit like a sure thing in the finish.

James McDonald got on the back of Dosh and tracked the speed beautifully before shifting forward heading into the final turn.

The pair went for home at the 150m mark, where McDonald was left with plenty of horse underneath him to fend off a late challenge from the swooping Scissor Step.

David Eustace told Racing.com after the race that the right run from J-Mac was the key to his chances.

“I thought he was very brave. James did the right thing, he just sat off Dosh instead of following because we thought that could fall back in his lap. He kicked at the right time and was strong late, obviously always great to have a winner in these colours,” Eustace said.

Generation resumed at Caulfield back in August where he finished a length third to Ingratiating and General Beau in the Group 3 Vain Stakes.

He again found the placings last time out over the track and trip at The Valley, a race Eustace said got the best of him.

“His last race just took a fair bit out of him and the boss decided to give him a freshen-up, he’s had a bit of times between runs and just needed to fill up and put a bit of weight back on,” Eustace went on to say.

The three-year-old owns a nomination in next week’s Classique Legend Stakes over 1300m at Rosehill, but the stable may have bigger things in mind like the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington on the quick backup.

Generation remains a $21 chance with Ladbrokes bookmakers, while fourth place-getter Altheric can be found at $51.

Click here for the All-In 2021 Coolmore Stud Stakes market, courtesy of Ladbrokes.com.au.