Napoleonic displayed his prowess with a strong first-up effort finishing runner-up to elite filly Tempted among top three-year-olds, now tasked with proving his versatility over extra distance.
On Saturday at Rosehill, the young colt steps to 1400 metres for the first go in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes.
During spring confined to 1200m, he notched three wins in four starts ending with stakes honours at Moonee Valley, and co-trainer Tom Charlton senses he’s matured for longer with possible 1600m in the Randwick Guineas next month.
“We feel confident about the 1400 and, in regards to a mile, it’s definitely a possibility,” Charlton said.
“This weekend will give us a more definitive answer to whether we press on (to the Randwick Guineas).
“We will get through the weekend but there are some nice options on the table.”
Co-trainer Charlton’s hopefulness is mirrored by jockey Zac Lloyd, aboard for the comeback win and retained for the Hobartville.
To Lloyd, the track condition being firm is a larger hurdle than distance increase, but he’s enthusiastic about pitting the colt against Group 1 winners Autumn Boy and Attica.
“I think he’s a very good colt,” Lloyd said.
“I ride him a fair bit at home, so I’m very excited to see what he can do on Saturday.
“And even after Saturday, probably in Group One company, I think he’ll perform very well.
“He does appreciate a bit of give in the track, which he might not get at Rosehill, so that could be a little knock against him. But I think 1400, and in due time a mile, will suit him a lot.”
Earlier this month, Journeyman dazzled on midweek debut at Warwick Farm but was scratched due to lameness in the off-hind leg discovered Wednesday.
The gelding heads for further veterinary checks per co-trainer Will Freedman, injury looking slight yet prompting a conservative spell.
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