Hard Empire made a smart debut in the 1000m R & J Publishing Maiden at Spreyton on Sunday and is heading for late autumn feature races.
Devonport trainer Adam Trinder has his sights on the $25,000 Autumn 2YO Classic (12300m) at Elwick in three weeks.
“We’ll decide after that whether to press on to the Sires Produce at Mowbray a fortnight later,” Trinder said.
“This horse is going to make a nice three-year-old next season over 1600m.
“At the moment, he’s just running on nervous energy.”
Trinder prepares Hard Empire for a syndicate of owners, some of whom have been involved in other successful stable horses such as California Wish and Foreshore Dane.
Jockey Siggy Carr had the Hard Spun two-year-old in the lead throughout and after he shook off the favourite Immortal Charm he raced clear to score by two lengths.
Picture shows Hard Empire ridden by Siggy Carr wins at Devonport on Sunday. Story and picture from Greg Mansfield (Examiner).