Trainer Dominic Sutton will forever hold Feroce in the highest regard as the gelding chases a second Group 1 win, this time at Caulfield.
Feroce provided Sutton, who has been training just over 18 months, with his first winner, his first city winner and his maiden Group 1 success.
That Group 1 success came in the Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington in March and the trainer is hoping for Group 1 win number two with Feroce in the Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Sutton said Feroce was primed for Saturday’s assault after two runs back from a break.
A first-up sixth over an unsuitable 1100m at Caulfield on August 30 was followed by a closing third to Sepals in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on September 20.
“First-up was a lot shorter, distance wise, than what he wants, and he ran a very creditable race,” Sutton said.
“He ran the second fastest 200 metres of the day and finished off nicely and then stepping up to the Sir Rupert Clarke he was terrific.
“He gave four kilos to the first horse and second horse and three kilos to the fourth horse.
“He ran a PB on his ratings and we knew he was going to take benefit out of that run as well into the Toorak, so we’re very happy.
“I think this is his prime distance, the mile. Stepping up is going to be ideal and being third-up he’s going to be rock hard fit.
“I can’t complain.”
Feroce is nominated in the Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick on November 1, and Sutton said all going well the gelding would be Sydney bound.
“It’s too big a carrot to pass up on,” Sutton said of the $10 million prize pool.
“They’re only four once and it’s a restricted race for four-year-olds.
“The question will be going the Sydney way, but I don’t think that will be too much of an issue.”
Sutton said the Golden Eagle could mark the end of Feroce’s spring campaign, although he will be entered for the Group 1 double of the Railway Stakes (1600m) and the Northerly Stakes (1800m) in Perth, while the Group 1 C F Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on November 15 may also be considered.
Longer term, Sutton hopes to again step Feroce up to 2000m, a trip he tackled in the Australian Cup at Flemington in March to close out his three-year-old season.
“It won’t be this campaign, but I haven’t written off 2000 metres in the future,” Sutton said.
“He is showing he is pretty brilliant at the mile, at the moment, so I don’t want to train the speed out of him at this stage, but as he gets older, I think naturally we will be looking to step him out to the 2000 (metres).”