Long-term Cup plans are on the agenda for progressive stayer Ironstein following his impressive win in the Listed Caloundra Cup (2400m) at the Sunshine Coast on Saturday.

A $250,000 graduate of the 2007 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Ironstein made it three straight wins in his first run in Queensland.  Prior to the Caloundra Cup, he scored impressive back to back wins at Rosehill.

Ironstein (4g Zabeel-Gentle Genius by Danehill) shot to the front shortly after straightening for home after racing just off the speed.  The margin was being cut near the line by Kiwi stayer Tinseltown, nevertheless, the neck victory was an impressive one.

Winning trainer Gerald Ryan said the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups could be a major goal for the son of Zabeel – but it won’t be in 2010.  There was some talk about him running this spring but he won’t go,” Ryan said.  “I won’t be surprised if the two Cup races are on his agenda when he’s a six-year-old.”

Ironstein is by champion Cambridge Stud based sire Zabeel and is the first foal of the former outstanding race mare Gentle Genius who died last year.  She won at stakes level but is best remembered for almost beating the champion Sunline in a Group 1 Coolmore Classic.