The upstanding gelding was syndicated by Dunn who bought him out of Leon Crawford’s Dunedin stable after he qualified spectacularly in 2:43.3, a mile rate of 1:59.8, at Forbury Park on March 11.

Today's showing was his first for Dunn who was confident he had the makings of a good horse.

His driver son John was moved to say after the trials that he was "a really nice horse."

Trainer Dunn said he would make "a lovely race horse as he had all the qualities asked for and will only get better with time."

"He has the strength and is a beautifully gaited horse," he said.

"But we will not rush him as it is getting near the end of the season."

Basically, the horse had acquitted himself very favourably in small fields and would need more experience against more rivals, Dunn said.

At this point he had no firm debut plans for the horse that impressed in his 3:10.2 (stand) win today over 2400 metres, home in 59.6 and 28.4.

The horse did work to become handy and led easily over the last 1300 metres for his length and a quarter success from non competitor Doctor Mickey, winner of the New Zealand Trotting Derby for the powerful Purdon and Payne barn at Addington last month.

Don Wright