Trainer-reinsman Kyle Harper is excited by a couple of promising two-year-olds in his stable, but refuses to get too far ahead of himself and put the cart before the horse.
After impressive performances from Franco Edward and newcomer Soho Thunderstruck, Harper can look ahead to upcoming feature juvenile races with confidence.
After much pre-race hype, Franco Edward bounced back from his first-start defeat with a stylish Pinjarra maiden win over 1684m on May 28.
Soho Thunderstruck, previously with Michael Stanley in Melbourne, gave a glimpse of what could lay ahead when he trounced his rivals in a Byford trial on Sunday.
Harper has plans to unveil the son of Art Major, who has one win and six placings from eight starts, at Gloucester Park next week.
Franco Edward gets another opportunity to strut his wares when he contests a heat of the Pearl Classic (2130m) at Gloucester Park tonight.
The bay colt looks hard to beat after drawing the coveted pole position.
Harper, who takes the drive, says Franco Edward might have above average ability.
“He worked at home like a nice little horse, but not showing anything of super star quality,” Harper told Tabradio.
“But he certainly showed a glimpse of that at Pinjarra and he was just a different horse behind the mobile like most good horses are.
“He was sort of underdone going into that race and I said to Rob Watson (owner) he is probably going to need the run.
“To come out and do what he did I don’t know if he was closer than I thought or better than what I thought.
“His heart rate came in pretty high so I say he did need the run, but he certainly did it well within himself.
“It was quite impressive for a horse of his age and there are big raps on him.”
Harper believes very little separates Franco Edward and Soho Thunderstruck.
“I don’t know which one is the better horse at this point,” Harper said.
“He (Soho Thunderstruck) trialled very well and has more experience with the racing on the board.
“He didn’t do much wrong in the Byford trial on Monday and will be another promising one.
“He is not eligible for the Pearl but there is the Slipper coming up and other races.
“The plan is to head to the Slipper with both horses after the Pearl.
“But obviously two-year-olds are here one week and can off the next.
“One step at the time, but that’s the plan.”
The $125,000 Group 1 Golden Slipper will be run at Gloucester Park on July 13.
Julio Santarelli