Trainer Jeremy Easthope has a big of opinion of Upper Limits.
He says the three-year-old gelding still has a heap to learn, but potentially could be the best horse he has trained.
Upper Limits has been to races eight times for one win and six placings, including a third to Bustler in last year’s Listed Fairetha Stakes (1400m).
His only flop came next start in the G2 WA Guineas (1600m) when he finished ahead of just one runner, spoiling a consistent run of prizemoney.
“He’s still a little bit of a work in progress, just getting him to settle a bit,” Jeremy Easthope said to The Races WA.
“He’s still a big, raw thing and I think has a bit of development to go, but I rate him.
“He’s the best one I have at the moment and on potential he could be the best one I’ve had in a while.
“He hasn’t finished worse than third except the Guineas and we are rapt with the way he has gone.
“The Guineas run he was cooked; I think his grand final was the Fairetha.”
Easthope’s excited to see how the son of Exosphere measures up against quality opposition in Saturday’s Listed Raconteur Stakes (1400m).
He will look to raise the bar after Upper Limits ran on strongly for second behind Arid when resuming at 1200m two weeks back.
Easthope is confident Upper Limits has the ability to run a good race.
“He came back good and we were happy with that,” Easthope said.
“He was a bit tired after the race, but pulled up fine.
“His sectionals running home were really good.
“If we can draw a handier gate and hold a spot midfield that will be perfect for him, without going too far back.
“The Raconteur is the logical way to go, but Clint (Johnston-Porter) suggested maybe giving him another one over 12 or 1300m, just to teach him to settle a bit more.
“The logical way to go is 1400m because that’s sort of his sweet spot.”
If Upper Limit’s can live up to Easthope’s blueprint in the next few weeks, Ascot carnival races later this year will be become a focus.
“We’ll get through the Raconteur and then maybe look at the Belmont Guineas (1600m),” Easthope said.
“The plan this prep was to get him through and maybe get his rating up.
“We could then entertain an idea for something in the spring.
“We’ll go through to the Guineas and if it doesn’t eventuate that way we’ll probably keep him in a bit longer and try and win some races.”