Bring On The Muscle has only had one start but he has already formed some great habits.
The 2yr-old came into race 2 at Gore yesterday having won five out of his five appearances at the trials and workouts.
The trotter won at his first attempt at the races, putting away a field of more seasoned rivals by three lengths.
Despite just being a baby in racing terms, the Clark Barron-trained Bring On The Muscle raced like a true professional when leading throughout.
"We have sort of been lucky. He has been pretty well schooled for today," Barron said.
"It is always a wee risk first up, but he brought his A-game."
While he showed the public something of his ability in his recent trials, Bring On The Muscle has impressed Barron right from a young age.
"He has always shown ability. He is a big, strong lad for a 2yr-old.
"He has taken a wee bit of maturing, so we have just waited on him.
"We have taken the patient approach and now we will reap the benefits, hopefully."
Untested in his win for driver Brent Barclay, Bring On The Muscle looks to have the scope to step up to quality age-group company.
Barron suspects he will, but he is unlikely to rush the horse into any big races.
"You would like to think so, but we will cross that bridge when we come to it.
"We thought we would crawl before we walk and teach him the basics and see where we go from there, but you would have to think he is up to it."
Bring On The Muscle was bred and is raced by Barron’s wife Jackie.
The horse races in the colours of long-time Southland studmaster, as well as breeder and trainer, the late Owen Crooks.
"They’re my father-in-law — Jackie’s father Owen Crooks’ — colours.
"Jackie was keen to get them back out there and it is a fitting result, really."
Canterbury visitor Sucrita won the first race yesterday on the newly reopened all-weather track.
