Usually conservative in the placement of his horses, trainer Joe Pride has skipped a few grades with maiden winner Torun in a sign of his regard for the unheralded colt.
The three-year-old was a standout winner at Hawkesbury on debut, strolling to the post almost four lengths clear of his rivals.
He will step straight up to Saturday company in the Ranvet Handicap (1100m) at Randwick in what has been a considered move by the stable.
“It’s a big jump for one of mine,” Pride said.
“I started off in a pretty modest Hawkesbury maiden with him. I don’t mind jumping him up a bit and finding out what he’s capable of doing at this age.”
Pride won the first Group race of the Sydney season with recent recruit Eduardo and has stable star Fasika on track to resume in next month’s Sheraco Stakes before she chases an Everest slot.
While that pair has established their black-type credentials, Pride hopes Torun can underline his as he progresses into the spring.
“He is a beautiful, big, handsome horse. He gets you in from the first time you look at him,” Pride said
“He just might have that star quality that can get him to a higher level.
“He’s got a long way to go, he’s won a maiden, but I just feel like he’s on a really nice trajectory.”
Torun is by Medaglia D’Oro, the sire of Group One winners Astern, Vancouver and Flit.
Brenton Avdulla sticks with him after partnering the colt at Hawkesbury and he is an early favourite, ahead of resuming Black Opal Stakes runner-up Bartley.
