Mid-Canterbury harness racing trainer Gerard O'Reilly is never one to praise a horse unless it well and truly deserves it.
So when he tells you that one of his runners will be hard to beat it pays to take note.
This was the situation on Friday when Harnesslink was asking Gerard about how Sparkling Delight had come back at three after looking above average at two last season.
Gerard felt Sparkling Delight had come back a lot stronger and even though he was in a very strong maiden field on Friday night at Addington Raceway, he expected him to be hard to beat.
Which is exactly as it played out on Friday night.
Settled in the running line early, Gerard sent Sparkling Delight to the front with a lap to go and and never relented from then on, holding off a strong challenge from the highly regarded Alta Las Vegas.
Not an overly tall horse, Sparkling Delight is built like a bull and looks to now have the strength to go with his ability.
" I was a bit disappointed at times during his two year old season as I thought he would be competitive with the best."
" He was just a bit weak and immature at two but has come back so much stronger at three and I think he is in for a good season," Gerard said.
Not that Gerard is in any hurry to throw Sparkling Delight in the deep end against the best at this stage as he thinks he will be at his best later in the season.
"At this stage we will head to the C1 on Cup Day as he will be more than competitive there."
" He is such a good gaited horse and is great winded as well."
" He gets over his runs very quickly and I think with a bit more experience, we may have a look at the bigger races later in the season," Gerard said.
The son of Bettor's Delight who was brought back by his vendors, the Gaylors after failing to meet his reserve at the yearling sales, looks to have a big season in front of him and won't be out of his depth where ever he goes judging by Friday nights win.
Harnesslink Media