Impressive debut winner Timo will be looking to make it two-from-two in the $75,000 Novice race over 1200m on Sunday.
Coming in with a fair bit of expectation following his smart barrier trials, both at Kranji and in Australia, the son of I Am Invincible, Timo overcame a sluggish start for John Powell to account for his Restricted Maiden rivals in a 1200m race a month ago.
It was not as dominant as his seven-length barrier trial win in Murray Bridge when known as Titanium Dragon, but the way he easily swept past his rivals to put two lengths on The Dodger (Alan Munro) in the end, certainly spoke volumes of his enormous potential.
“The win did not come as a surprise to me because he had already won two trials before he came here,” said the Australian handler who saddled him to a narrow head-win in a trial at Kranji on June 9, three weeks before his debut win.
“But he had to come from second-last to win it after missing the start.
“I think what stands him out from many of the other horses is his turn of foot. He has a great turn of foot."
For that reason, Baertschiger feels the rest of the field will have their hands full trying to rein in the Auric Stable-owned galloper in Sunday's race. Powell retains the ride.
“He has pulled up well since his last start and I think he will be the favourite. He will be hard to beat," he said.
“Looking at the way he runs at trackwork, I think he will develop into a good 1400m to 1600m horse.”
