Top Prospect
Trish Dunell
The ambitiously-named Top Prospect is living up to expectations and he will take another step on New Year's Day toward a coveted three-year-old prize.
The son of Swiss Ace is unbeaten in his last three appearances, including the Listed Trevor Eagle Memorial at his most recent start.
"He has come through that in really good order," trainer Richard Collett said. "We'll keep him ticking over and run him next in the Great Northern Guineas.
"We'll probably look at the Karaka 3YO Mile and then aim him toward the Avondale Guineas ahead of the Derby."
While Top Prospect's pedigree doesn't ooze stamina – he is from the family of the recently deceased Group One winner Atlante – Collett doesn't question the gelding's ability to perform over more ground.
"I've got no doubt that he will, he relaxes so well and he's got the class," he said. "He's got the right attributes in the way he races.
"His best win was probably two runs back against the older horses when we used him early to get a spot and he relaxed. In the three-year-old race the other day, he drew awkwardly and we rode him a bit colder.
"He sustained a run from a fair way from home and we've been teaching him to run through the line. He's got plenty of ability and he's still learning."
A $65,000 Karaka purchase, Top Prospect is raced by long-time stable client Arthur Avis.
"Arthur buys one yearling each year at a good level and he's had a lot of nice horses with me," Collett said.
Among them are Karaka Million runner-up Selfie, Gr.2 Matamata Breeders' Stakes winner Lady Royale, Gr.3 Mr Tiz Trophy winner So Wotif, five-time winner Riotous and Avis also currently has an interest in the multiple winner Untamed Diamond. – NZ Racing Desk.
The son of Swiss Ace is unbeaten in his last three appearances, including the Listed Trevor Eagle Memorial at his most recent start.
"He has come through that in really good order," trainer Richard Collett said. "We'll keep him ticking over and run him next in the Great Northern Guineas.
"We'll probably look at the Karaka 3YO Mile and then aim him toward the Avondale Guineas ahead of the Derby."
While Top Prospect's pedigree doesn't ooze stamina – he is from the family of the recently deceased Group One winner Atlante – Collett doesn't question the gelding's ability to perform over more ground.
"I've got no doubt that he will, he relaxes so well and he's got the class," he said. "He's got the right attributes in the way he races.
"His best win was probably two runs back against the older horses when we used him early to get a spot and he relaxed. In the three-year-old race the other day, he drew awkwardly and we rode him a bit colder.
"He sustained a run from a fair way from home and we've been teaching him to run through the line. He's got plenty of ability and he's still learning."
A $65,000 Karaka purchase, Top Prospect is raced by long-time stable client Arthur Avis.
"Arthur buys one yearling each year at a good level and he's had a lot of nice horses with me," Collett said.
Among them are Karaka Million runner-up Selfie, Gr.2 Matamata Breeders' Stakes winner Lady Royale, Gr.3 Mr Tiz Trophy winner So Wotif, five-time winner Riotous and Avis also currently has an interest in the multiple winner Untamed Diamond. – NZ Racing Desk.
