David Payne is not going to Rosehill expecting new recruit Thorin to topple hot favourite Lost And Running but he is hoping to see some positive signs for the future.
The former European will make his local debut against the boom sprinter and Everest hopeful in the Listed Luskin Star Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
A four-year-old by southern hemisphere time, Thorin has won four of his seven starts overseas, including a Group 3 mile race in France.
His Singapore-based owners also race Payne’s recent Clarendon Stakes winner Gleneagles under the ARAMCO Racing banner and the trainer has seen some positive signs from his new stable addition.
“I saw his last run on video where he won a Group Three in France, at Deauville. I don’t know what kind of field it was,” Payne said.
“He looks a nice horse but this is his first prep and these imported horses are better at their next prep.
“They’ve got to acclimatise so we want to give him a couple of runs this prep and see what we’ve got.”
Thorin shaped well in his only barrier trial at Rosehill when he showed good gate speed and hit the line under his own steam for third to In Good Time.
If he can hold his own on Saturday, he could earn a trip to Brisbane for the Listed The Wayne Wilson (1600m) next month.
“We’re happy with his progress at this stage,” Payne said.
“I just want him to run a forward race because I’ve got a race in mind in Brisbane if he races forward enough.”
Lost And Running appears to have a stranglehold on the Luskin Star Stakes and is a $1.50 favourite with Thorin a $34 chance.
