Flash Max showed he was poised for Saturday success after keeping his unbeaten status in tact at Belmont this afternoon (Wednesday).
It took Flash Max a fair while before making it to the races, but the wait appears to have paid off for trainer, Justine Erkelens.
Following six trials, Flash Max made a winning debut at Pinjarra last month before following up again 20-days later at Belmont mid-week.
Today at the same track and venue the imposing son of Awesome Rock made it a winning hatrick in the Perth Racing Club Membership Handicap (1300m).
Settled fourth by jockey, Troy Turner, Flash Max drew clear inside the final 100m and won by a comfortable ¾ length margin as favourite.
Ruling Dame ran second with Wango Award finishing third after getting held up in the straight.
What makes the win even more appealing for Erkelens is that Flash Max is doing it all on natural ability.
She says the four-year-old still has a lot to learn about the racing caper.
“He looked really green in the run,” Erkelens said.
“He’s still a bit of a scaredy-cat but he still has to go out there and learn.
“He gets hot for about five minutes when he gets here, but then he’s like ok, all is good.
“I’m hoping I can get to a 1400m or I might step him up over a mile.
“It’s onwards and upwards.”
Turner, who has ridden Flash Max in all three starts, shares Erkelens’ assessment that the gelding is a work in progress.
“He’s still learning a lot and did a few things wrong,” Turner said.
“He had to grow up a bit today because he was going to get hemmed in a bit, so he had to use his weight to get out.
“He’s probably on the verge of having enough.
“I think Justine (Erkelens) might give him one more.
“I think next preparation he can test the waters again.
“But he’s done a great job and credit to the horse.”
Julio Santarelli.