Anton En Avant shocks Group Three field

Trainer Stephen Lee believes a switch in his training base to the Gold Coast played a role in the shock win of Anton En Avant in the Group Three Chairman's Handicap (2000m) at Doomben.

Anton En Avant sent punters reeling when he charged home at a starting price of $151.

The gelding fought on bravely to beat Lovani ($12) by a half length with a short-half head to Rising Red ($7) in third.

Lee has trained for many years from Ballina but opened a stable at the Gold Coast late last year.

He said Anton En Avant was one of several of his horses who had blossomed since the move.

"He really has come along well because I have been able to change his training tactics on the bigger Gold Coast tracks," Lee said.

"I have been trying to get the kilometres into his legs for the Caloundra Cup over 2400 metres next month."

"But I might have to run him in the Brisbane Cup (June 9) now that he has won this because he will get into the field."

"He isn't really a Doomben horse but that was his fourth win here so he isn't exactly a duffer around the circuit."