A year after his emergence as a serious spring three-year-old talent, Gunstock (NZ) (Tavistock) rewarded his connections’ patience with a dominant performance in Wednesday’s A$200,000 Group Three Coongy Cup (2000m) at Caulfield.

If Alan Lyons isn’t fulfilling his duties as clerk of the course at racetracks around the state, there’s a good chance you’ll find him at his Strathalbyn stables training ex-racehorses for the next stage of their career.

Spirit Ridge will begin his march toward a Sydney Cup start in a competitive edition of the Sky High Stakes.