Top Prospect is living up to expectations and he will take another step on New Year's Day toward a coveted 3-year-old prize.
The son of Swiss Ace is unbeaten in his past three appearances, including the Trevor Eagle Memorial at Pukekohe at his most recent start.
"He has come throughthat in really good order," Pukekohe trainer Richard Collett said. "We'll keep him ticking over and run him next in the Great Northern Guineas. We'll probably look at the Karaka 3YO Mile and then aim him toward the Avondale Guineas ahead of the Derby."
While Top Prospect's pedigree doesn't ooze stamina " he is from the family of the recently deceased group one winner Atlante " Collett doesn't question the gelding's ability to perform over more ground.
"I've got no doubt that he will, he relaxes so well and he's got the class," he said. "He's got the right attributes in the way he races.
"His best win was probably two runs back against the older horses when we used him early to get a spot and he relaxed. In the 3-year-old race the other day, he drew awkwardly and we rode him a bit colder.
"He sustained a run from a fair way from home and we've been teaching him to run through the line. He's got plenty of ability and he's still learning."
