Trainer Paul Preusker and jockey Dean Yendall both expect Steparty to reach a far higher level after keeping his winning record intact.
After victories in Ballarat and Flemington, Steparty made the jump to 1420m in Flemington on Saturday and clinched the Rod Johnson Handicap after putting on an explosive turn shortly after the homecoming.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Steparty knocks her out in Flemington.
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Steparty, knocking out the $2.60 favorite, was throttled by Yendall for a 4-1 length win over Blazing Harry ($4.80) while Bolted In ($6) was another 3.5 lengths away in third.
Preusker said Steparty would likely take a break and miss a 1600m step in two weeks time to compete in the Taj Rossi Series finals in Flemington.
October’s Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) are on the back of Preusker’s mind.
Preusker rarely deals with two-year-olds, preferring to work with stayers and show jumpers, and did not expect to face Steparty so early in his career.
“I don’t bother with[two-year-olds]and don’t buy them, and I never intended to have this guy as a two-year-old,” Preusker said.
“But he just charted his own path. I haven’t coached him and probably never will.
“I’ll let him do the talking, but he’s definitely the right horse for the job. I think he’s a real horse.”
Yendall said Steparty would have no problem managing a step up.
He said the most enjoyable part of Saturday’s race was the way he relaxed and then sprinted.
“I said to Shane (Patterson) on the pony that this is the best thing I’ve ever had,” Yendall said
“He does everything at his own pace. He was relaxing beautifully out there in the wind.
“I got there a little earlier than I would have liked but he was going so well and at the 400 (meter) mark I said ‘let’s go mate’ and was pretty nice to him.”
When asked what distance Steparty is expected to go in the future.
“Nice 2000 meters in The Valley and I can do the weight 100 percent,” Yendall said.