But he could not image how good.

McLean, who has more than 20 horses in work, won his first group 1 race when Trap For Fools, with John Allen in the saddle, took out the $2 million Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.

Trap for Fool hung on to defeat Latrobe by a head with Extra Brut back in third place.

“I knew early on that Trap For Fools was a very good horse after Lindsey Smith sent him  to me from Perth,” he said.

“I’ve really got to thank Lindsey.

“He sent over Trap For Fools and he’s won the Mackinnon and he also sent over Cougar Express  and we won the Grand National Hurdle with him.

“I thought Trap For Fools would run well.

“He’s a tough horse who gives 100 per cent in his races.

“He takes a lot of luck out of his races because he dictates the pace of the race as he’s a leader.

“It’s a great thrill to train my first group 1 winner. I’m very lucky because I’ve got great staff at home.”

The Moonee Valley Racing Club controversially left Trap For Fools out from the Cox Plate field but he did run second in the Moonee Valley Cup.

“Obviously it was disappointing, the Cox Plate, but on that occasion I said that things happen for a reason. Maybe this was meant to be,” McLean said.

“It’s a big thrill to win the Mackinnon. It was a great ride by Johnny.

“He’s a hard worker and a great judge and plays a massive part in the success of Darren Weir’s stable.”

McLean is also the foreman for leading trainer Weir’s Warrnambool stable.