Sometimes the best guide to a horse's ability is the reaction of a trainer when it races below expectations.

Such was the case when two-year-old Secundus was a well-beaten ninth behind stablemate Kim Alicia at Doomben two weeks ago.

Trainer Desleigh Forster was quick to watch the race replay before getting a report from jockey Michael Hellyer on Secundus' effort.

Forster made it clear there was not that much between Kim Alicia and Secundus on their trackwork.

The pair will clash again in the QTIS Two-Year-Old Handicap (1500m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Forster has put blinkers on Secundus in an effort to make him concentrate.

Kim Alicia and Secundus are both by under-rated sire Mahisara who stands at Wattle Brae Stud on the Darling Downs.

“Mahisara was a top sprinter but a lot of his horses are showing ability over a bit of ground,” Forster said.

“I have been keen to get this pair out to around the 1600 metres. I will be interested to see how they go.”

Secundus has the right breeding to be a “miler” as his dam Fillydelphia was smart at the distance.

She won 11 races including the Bernborough Handicap and Brisbane Handicap at 1600m when trained by Robert Heathcote.

Kim Alicia has been getting better as the races get longer.

“She didn't have much luck at her first couple of runs but last time at Doomben over 1350 metres she was very strong at the finish,” Forster said.