Trainer James Peters is expecting a forward run from two-time winner Gran Torino at his inaugural 2018 race this Sunday.
The former Adelaide-based Bel Esprit four-year-old gave a sample of his potential in only four starts last year, winning an 1100m race in Open Maiden company on debut and a 1200m race on turf in Class 4 company.
He ran second and fourth at his other two starts, the fourth place coming at his last start on November 12 when rising in grade to a Class 3 race over 1200m.
The on-the-speed runner actually held his own quite well, but was instead beaten by the awkward alley. One of the best away, he had to work overtime over 400m to find the lead before he could drop anchor and get a breather.
In the straight, he seemed to be holding his rivals at bay quite well under regular partner Olivier Placais, but Webster eventually came upsides 200m out before skipping clear.
To his credit, Gran Torino still showed his mettle in defeat as he bravely clung on to the runner-up spot, and it was only in the last 50m that he was swamped to eventually finish fourth, only two lengths off the winner, Webster.
The Paul Crawford-owned galloper was tipped out after such a taxing run, and according to Peters, he has come back in good order for his 2018 campaign.
He is running in the $80,000 Class 3 race over 1000m on Polyrtrack on Sunday and will be ridden for the first time by in-form Kiwi jockey Craig Grylls, given Placais is unavailable for three weeks due to a chest injury.
“He had a short break. I was very happy with his last run and he has come back in good form,” said Peters.
“His trial last week (February 1) was good. I told Michael (Rodd) not to fight him and just let him stride.
“He might have gone a little bit hard early, but Michael did ease him down in the home straight. Overall, I’m happy with his work, he’s fit and ready.
“If there was to be a concern, it’s the 1000m which might be a little bit sharp for him. It’s still a nice race for him, he’s drawn one and I expect a forward showing from him.”
Rodd was meant to be Placais’ replacement – as his booking in the barrier trial would suggest – but with the Australian jockey unable to make the 54kgs, Peters had to look elsewhere.
“Craig Grylls will ride him. Michael can’t ride at 54kgs or else, he would have ridden him,” said Peters.
“It’s a pity for Olivier but it is what it is.”
When probed about an eventual participation in the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge, Peters would not get ahead of himself.
“He’s going the right way, but we’ll have to see how he does first-up and at his next few runs. There is still some time before the 4YO series kicks off,” said the Briton.
“He’s never run over 1400m, but from the way he finished off after winning over 1200m, he gives me the impression he can run 1400m.
“If he was to run, the Stewards’ Cup (1400m) is definitely an option, and maybe even the mile race (Patron’s Bowl), but not the Derby (1800m).”
