The Derby prospects of Laser Flash will be under scrutiny at Warwick Farm when the colt steps out beyond 2000 metres for the first time.
A $500,000 yearling who has yet to live up to that price tag, Laser Flash is by Redoute’s Choice out of stakes winning sprinter Personify.
But trainer David Payne is convinced the colt is a stayer in the making and has his sights set on the Australian Derby (2400m) in April.
Laser Flash takes on older horses in Saturday’s Sharp Handicap (2200m) following his first-up third over 1500m last month against his own age.
“He’s got to get through the grades first but indications are he stays well,” Payne said.
“I think he’s a Derby horse and can step up.”
Laser Flash is owned by South African businessman Markus Jooste who also races Honorius with Payne.
A half brother to South African champion Igugu, Honorius embarked on a Victoria Derby campaign in the spring but failed at the distance.
After being placed twice behind It’s A Dundeel, Honorius finished second to Hvasstan in the Norman Robinson (2000m) but made little headway when eighth in the Derby (2500m) won by Fiveandahalfstar.
“Honorious will be kept to the shorter trips this time,” Payne said.
“He didn’t stay and the Rosehill Guineas over 2000 metres will be as far as we go distance wise.”
Honorius has been entered for both the Australian Guineas (1600m) on March 2 and the Doncaster Mile on April 20, the week after the Derby.
The Randwick Guineas (1600m) and Rosehill Guineas are on March 16 and 30 respectively.
