The stakes will be high for up-and-coming colt Hoylonny when he steps out at Rosehill on Saturday.
Autumn goals for the three-year-old rest on his performance in The Anthony Cocco Handicap (1350m) with trainer Chris Waller hoping for a top-three finish.
But Waller is also cautious.
With 59kg, barrier nine of 11 and rivals the ilk of promising three-year-olds Angel Of Mercy and War Charm, Hoylonny has a few hurdles to overcome.
“Saturday is his first test,” Waller said.
“He’s got a big weight, wide draw and it’s a genuine field of Saturday-class three-year-olds.
“I never underestimate Sydney fields. You can’t do anything wrong in a Saturday race.
“I won’t be disappointed if he doesn’t win but I want to see him finish in the first three if he’s going to go on to better races this preparation.”
Raced by the Ingham family, Hoylonny’s only defeat was a debut third to subsequent Group One Victoria Derby winner Sangster at Warwick Farm last winter.
He was spelled after notching his maiden success at Canterbury in September and resumed with a narrow win at Warwick Farm earlier this month.
Waller has made no secret of his high opinion of the colt but says he is still green and yet to put it all together.
“I know he’s good. I just don’t know when he is going to fulfil it,” Waller said.
“Realistically, he is still a preparation away.
“He is a boy in a man’s body and he needs to strengthen up and learn his trade a little bit better.
“He is still doing a few little things wrong.”
TAB Sportsbet had Hoylonny as the $3.80 favourite on Thursday, marginally ahead of Angel Of Mercy ($4) who brilliantly took out a fillies maiden on the same day Hoylonny scored first-up.
The improving War Charm was next pick at $4.80 on the back of his explosive victory at Kembla Grange last start.
AAP TURF
