Thunderbolt Way to start on possible Victoria Derby path at Flemington
Long term plans aplenty could form after Saturday's Trevor Clarke Handicap (1400m) at Flemington.
The 1400m contest for two-year-olds will be the point at which sprinting or staying futures are decided for many of the 14 acceptors for the $150,000 race.
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Flemington trainer Simon Zahra expects to follow the staying path with his charge Thunderbolt Way, who will debut on his home track on Saturday.
Thunderbolt Way is a son of the former smart sprinter Pariah, who twice won over 1100m in his racing days, but Zahra said the youngster showed all the attributes of a distance prospect.
'He's got stayer written all over him,' Zahra said.
'He's got good ability and might be a Derby horse as a three-year-old.'
Thunderbolt Way is a longshot chance to make a winning debut at Flemington but Zahra said the chestnut would improve sharply on whatever he did first-up.
• Singapore champ has mountain to climb at Flemington
He said Thunderbolt Way's jumpouts indicated the stable had plenty to work with but time would produce an imposing specimen.
'He jumped out well but he's got a lot of improvement to come,' Zahra said.
'He's going to be a really nice horse next time in.
'He's got a bit of presence, a good action and a great attitude.
'We might get a couple of runs into him now and he'll be back in the spring.'
Drawing barrier 13 made Thunderbolt Way's task more difficult over the Flemington 1400m course, which presents a long sweeping turn soon after the start.
However, Zahra said the draw would present an opportunity to continue Thunderbolt Way's education.
'He'll go back from the wide draw and we expect to see him running on well in the straight,' Zahra said.
'That will be the best thing for him, to teach him to relax and finish the race off strongly.'
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