Would Be King ($4.60) made a winning start to his time with Donnelly when he took out the Southern Asset Services Maiden Handicap (1175m).

Sent to Donnelly by Richard Pegum after five starts with Chris Waller, Would Be King showed good speed to lead and then was too strong for his rivals to break through for his maiden win.

Donnelly believes the import is not a stayer like he had been tried at Wallers and went as far as to call Would Be King's regular rider back in Ireland to back up his theory.

"I actually rang the jockey that rode him in Ireland...I don't think he's a stayer," Donnelly said.

"I watched his replays and don't reckon he can stay. I spoke to the guy that rode him every start, rode him all his trackwork over there and he thought he may get a mile, but it was only out of frustration that they tried him over longer.

"I looked up his sire, and he won two group one races leading all the way over 1200 metres. Out of his top 10 progeny, nine are sprinters over 1000 to 1400 metres.

"He just didn't cop being trained to be a stayer."

Donnelly plans to utilise Would Be King's natural speed over shorter trips.

"He might get 1600, but I think 1400 is the right distance for him," he said.

"He could roll along in front over 1400, that would be ideal.

"If he could get back to his best form, I think he could win a Highway but his best form is three years ago."

Donnelly's apprentice, Heni Ede, rode Would Be King to victory.

Would Be King held off Trevor Sutherland's fast-finishing Miss Elsie May ($3.30), while Budderoo Blitz ($4.20) boxed on for third place.

The cancellation of a Wagga maiden last Sunday, that Would Be King was set to run in, has ruled out Donnelly's initial plan of a Highway at Rosehill later this preparation.

He will now take it as it comes with Would Be King.

Albury trainer Mitch Beer trained a winning double at the meeting, courtesy of wins to Desert Storm ($6.00) and Chap's Dream ($7.00).

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