STAWELL-trained jumper He's A Genius scored an impressive eight-length win over Dormello Mo and Darebin in the opening steeplechase of the 2020 jumps season at Warrnambool Racing Club on Thursday.
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Irish-born jumps jockey Tommy Ryan had the winning ride for trainers Terry and Karina O'Sullivan.
Ryan said he was confident of victory at the third-last fence in the 3450-metre race.
"I was travelling really well in the run," he said.
"I've got to give all the credit to Terry and Karina.
"They have done a great job with He's A Genius.
"The horse had a couple of leg issues last season but Terry and Karina worked them out.
"He's A Genius seems to run best when he's fresh and they had him fresh today.
"It's up to Terry and Karina where He's A Genius runs next but I don't think the Oakbank course will suit.
"I would say the restricted steeplechase on the middle day of the Warrnambool May Carnival would be ideal."
Thursday's win was He's Genius' second jumps victory from 12 starts over the obstacles.
Former Warrnambool-based jumps jockey Darryl Horner and his new boss, top jumps trainer Eric Musgrove, joined forces to win the restricted hurdle with Gobstopper at the 'Bool.
Warrnambool-based jockey Shane Jackson guided the Gai Waterhouse-trained Diamond Star Halo to a dogged victory in the program's maiden hurdle.
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