Trainer-driver Lance Holberton says the Sapling Stake at Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday night will be the perfect test for his unbeaten star Rupert Ross.
Rupert Ross has made just two starts but has won them both and will be looking to make it a hat-trick when he ventures out of South Australia to take on a quality field.
Tough field for Rupert Ross
Major Celebrity and Little Louie also won on debut and will be hoping to stay unbeaten in the Sapling Stake but obviously something has to give.
But Holberton has been impressed with his two-year-old who won the Kindergarten Stake at Globe Derby. He accepts the next challenge is a tough assignment but believes it is just what Rupert Ross needs.
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"He's done everything I've asked of him so far, and when I saw this race on the program, I figured he's worth having a shot with," Holberton said. "It's going to be a step up for him, but it is a good way to test him.
"Along with the likelihood of tougher opposition to compete against, the whole travel experience will do him the world of good."
Tough draw
Rupert Ross will have to do it the hard way though after being handed a tough barrier draw. He will have to jump from the outside of the front row and Holberton says he could have landed better.
Dancing Finn, who is also trained by Holberton, will jump from gate five earlier in the night.
"They've certainly given us the visitors' draws," Holberton added. "It's going to make it hard on both of them, but with the right runs they should be thereabouts. We'll just have to see how it works out on the night."
