Kerryn Manning (pictured) can't help but have a little giggle when she talks about her stable star Duke Of Wellington.
In her words, the son of American Ideal is a "big dopey thing".
Despite his quirks, the lightly raced four-year-old has undeniable class and looks destined to become a regular performer at the top level.
"I'm not sure how much talent he's got, but he shows quite a bit at this stage so hopefully he can keep building on that," the Great Western trainer said.
"He's very large, very heavy and very dopey.
"He feels like you aren't going very fast, but you are. That's a good thing…"
Bought by prominent owners Merv and Meg Butterworth after nine career starts, Duke Of Wellington then claimed the Group 2 Southern Supremacy Final at Ascot Park before heading to our shores.
His four Australian runs have returned two placings – including an eye-catching third in the Group 1 TAB Multiplier 4YO Bonanza (1720m) – and wins at his last two starts.
And the most recent demolition job in the DNR Logistics Pace Final (2240m) at Tabcorp Park Melton has him a warm favourite to make it three on the trot at the same venue this Saturday night.
Manning will be in the sulky for Duke Of Wellington's crack at the Group 2 City of Melton Plate XXX (2240m).
"Obviously it's a fairly solid and strong field, so he's going to have to be at his best to beat them, but he certainly has a bit of a draw advantage (barrier four) on some of the better ones in it," Manning said.
Looking forward, Manning and the Butterworths have plans to take the horse to some feature races in Tasmania or back home in New Zealand.
It won't be an ultra busy night for Manning at headquarters tomorrow, but it could still prove a memorable one.
She will drive her father's horse Reciprocity in the Group 3 Allied Express Jodie's Babe (1720m).
Manning will also be at the controls of Maree Campbell's Lucinda Mac, which looks a nice chance from the good draw in the Economix Vicbred Trot (1720m).
And her night should finish on a high in the last race of the program, the Atherstone Pace Final (2240m).
Manning's husband Grant Campbell will drive Yankee Lincoln, which is a red-hot favourite to win the C1 only event.
Manning also prepares this son of American Ideal for the Butterworth family.
Tim O'Connor