Win, lose or draw, trainer Chris Anderson believes he will walk away from Eagle Farm far wiser about three-year-old Profit after the Vo Rogue Plate.
Anderson is convinced Profit is a future Group winner, but he says he will have a better idea of the gelding’s current status after Saturday’s Group Three Vo Rogue (1400m).
A son of former top stayer Dundeel, Profit has won three of his four starts with the latest over 1800m at Eagle Farm on October 5.
“There isn’t much doubt Profit is among the most promising three-year-olds in Queensland,” Anderson said.
“But where he currently stands in the greater scheme of things remains to be seen. But we will have a much better idea after the Vo Rogue.
“The field contains at least two other horses in Alligator Blood and Diamond Thunder who would have claims to being among the best three year olds in Australia.
“How we go against them will tell us a lot for the future.”
Anderson hopes to be taking on Alligator Blood and Diamond Thunder again on January 11 at the Gold Coast in the $2 million Magic Millions Guineas (1400m).
Profit is officially 23rd on the current ballot for the Guineas but with several above him unlikely to accept he is in reality about 19th.
“Even third place on Saturday will probably get him in the Guineas field and everyone says about $150,000 will be more than enough,” Anderson said.
“But in these times of increased prize money you can never be really sure so to win or run second would make a certainty of it.”
Anderson has replaced winkers with blinkers on Profit for the first time and booked champion jockey Glen Boss for the ride.
“We have had blinkers up our sleeve for a while and I really think they will improve him,” he said.
“He has won both his trials this time and I am happy with him.
“If things go well Saturday I will be thrilled. But if not it won’t be the end of the world and we can head down to Sydney.
“I really think he is going to be a Derby horse and the winter is going to be our main aim.”
Profit was a $300,000 Magic Millions buy and was one of several high-priced horses the Think Big Stud has sent to Anderson.
The combination has been having plenty of success of late with horses such as Ballistic Boy and Equipped.
Anderson has scratched Epic Girl from a restricted race to run in the Listed Nudgee Quality (1200m) in which she will be ridden by Linda Meech.
“The idea with these mares is to get black-type and her last start win showed she is up to it,” he said.