Harness racing trainer Steve Dolan is back in Group I company and hungry to make sure it's where he stays.
The Russley trainer has Mr Franklin in the four–year–old Emerald and Tintinara as the first emergency for the three–year–old Diamond at Saturday's Harness Jewels at Ashburton on Saturday.
Neither will have punters running for the tote with wallets in hand, but for Dolan it is a giant stride in the right direction.
He knows the ebb and flow of harness racing all too well.
A few short years ago his stable was heading for greatness with star pacer Franco Jamar contesting the Inter Dominion final, Miracle Mile, Harness Jewels and New Zealand Derby.
By Courage Under Fire out of Jamel Franco, Franco Jamar went on to win 20 races, eight in his three–year–old season alone, and earn more than $380,000.
He also had the likes of Dream Out Loud, Castellina Lover and Candy Styx who were winning races for fun but things soon slowed down.
The race wins have kept coming for Dolan but not on the big stage.
"It's like a rugby player, it's nice to play at club level and do well but playing test rugby at the very highest level is the ultimate and I'm desperately keen to get back to racing horses at that very high level."
But with two runners in Jewels contention Dolan is starting to climb back up the ranks.
I'm aspiring to get back to where I was a few years ago when I had a couple of open class pacers in the stable and a three–year–old filly contesting the Group I races," Dolan said.
"I'm looking to grow the stable and find those horses that can contest those classic races."
He is realistic about the chances of Mr Franklin who needs a stack of luck against the likes of Tiger Tara, Sky Major, Messini and Ideal Success.
Raced by Mark Wotton, Mick Braithwaite, Neil Struthers, Wayne Milligan, Simon Consedine, John Gould and Tim Sissons, the Grinfromeartoear gelding has a horror barrier draw to contend with starting from the outside of the front line.
"It will be a big thrill for the owners to be in the race but they are realistic and know they we are probably not much of a chance of winning," Dolan said.
Dolan said the Jewels was never the aim with Mr Franklin but after a consistent season and a few withdrawals they began to realise they were a good chance of making the field.
He would love Tintinara to get a start but said they are also realistic about her chances if she does make the field.
"We are realistic that the likes of Fight For Glory and The Orange Agent are a class above, they are top class fillies."
By Mat Karmeen