Aquanita trainer Simon Miller has a pleasant problem to consider after First Among Equals claimed back-to-back feature wins at Belmont on Saturday.
In similar vein to the Bolton Sprint two weeks ago, First Among Equals proved too strong for gallant runner-up, Rock Magic, scoring by a half length.
A further two lengths in First Among Equals and Rock Magic’s wake was , Checkpoint, who edged out pacesetter, Travinator, for third prize.
First Among Equals, who was winding up with his run from fifth on the corner, gave jockey, Paul Harvey, a remarkable eighth win in the race.
Miller said he would let the dust settle before deciding on whether to target an eastern states campaign or remain at home with his charge.
Justin Warwick believes he may have unearthed a promising stayer after Material Man emphatically passed his first test over 2200m.
The Vital Equine gelding covered more ground than any other horse in the race after being trapped wide throughout, but still finished full of running to earn high plaudits from his trainer.
Posting consecutive wins and his sixth from eight career starts, Material Man defeated Don’tgetcaught by 1 3/4 lengths.
“He is a good horse on the way up,” Warwick said.
“I would like to think he could be a Pinjarra-Bunbury Cup horse next year and the Perth Cup a year later.”
Material Man was the second-leg of a double for Warwick after sprinter Hot Goods led from start-to-finish to end a long losing spell.
Hot Goods, expertly rated by William Pike, looked to be vulnerable with the back markers charging, but he held out an unlucky, King Of The Palace by a long-head.
Warwick shared the training honors with the new co-partnership of Grant and Alana Williams
The husband and wife team landed their maiden Saturday city double courtesy of the improving Chocolate Holic and Falcon Crest.
Other highlights of the Belmont meeting included a William Pike treble and a double to young gun, Jordan Turner, who out rode his 2kg claim.
Turner employed identical tactics to last Saturday week when he set up a commanding lead on Furious Dame, this time however he turned the tables on Conseated, outlasting the favourite by a head.
Julio Santarelli