Talented sprinter River Radiance made it three wins on the bounce on Sunday and is certainly a galloper trending the right way.
An impressive Class 3 winner in the lead up, River Radiance notably went up 3.5kg in the weights, but it proved no hindrance for the son of Rip Van Winkle, scoring easily by 2.5L.
Having bumped into Surpass Natural on debut, River Radiance has won four of his five starts since, his only other defeat coming at the hands of Toosbies.
Successful in making the rise through the grades, River Radiance was sent out second pick ($3.00) on Sunday with the Stephen Burridge trained Autumn Assault the pronounced favourite ($1.40).
Beginning fairly well from the middle draw, River Radiance found a position midfield in the running line.
Ridden by Michael Rodd, River Radiance made the winning move at the 600m when working forward to get within striking distance of straightening.
Pulled to the centre, River Radiance set his sight on the leaders and let down strongly inside the 300m.
Taking over passing the 150m, River Radiance drew right away late, coasting to the line to win comfortably.
Rated 79 by Timeform in the lead up, River Radiance is now rated 86 and has certainly done a great job in his maiden preparation.
He has won at both 1100m and 1200m and had no issues coming back in trip on Sunday.
While ridden on-speed early doors, he appears a much better horse when taking a sit and appears a polytrack specialist.
Yet to be tested on turf, that is his next test and we await eagerly to see what he can do.
The time figures he returned on Sunday were his best yet and he is a horse that can be followed with confidence.
It all didn't appear to go right for favourite Autumn Assault after he failed to show his customary early speed.
He found the line well enough to finish third, but was a long way off what he produced first up for Burridge.
Interested to see which way they head with him now, he may simply be at his best when kept very fresh, unfortunately he was nowhere near the horse we saw last month.
Admittedly it was a step up in grade for him on Sunday, however he is much better than that and remains under strong notice.
