Denise Martin is keeping her feet firmly on the ground ahead of Crossbow’s run in the Schweppes Handicap at Randwick, despite the promising colt’s solid credentials.

The Star Thoroughbreds-owned two-year-old is currently third in the betting at $4.20, trailing only favourite Pillow Fight ($2.50) and Tomato Toastie ($3.60) in a market dominated by the trio. No other runners in the nine-horse field are under double figures.

Crossbow was gelded earlier this year after finishing down the track behind Wodeton, who went on to place in the Golden Slipper. He made a strong return at Canterbury, flashing home late to just miss behind Central Coast, another from the Chris Waller stable.

“He’s a lovely horse. He ran second to one last start that is beautifully bred, by Wootton Bassett out of Sunlight,” Martin said.

“Chris has been very happy with him. He has trialled well and raced well and we look as though we’re going to get a decent track and small field.

“He is a really handsome, almost black horse. He’s by Better Than Ready and he’s got a really nice way about him. It’s a good race for him after the nice run at Canterbury.”

Drawn barrier one, Crossbow will be ridden by Jason Collett. His rivals include debutant Pillow Fight, a Canterbury winner who then contested a Listed race in Queensland, and Tomato Toastie, who broke through impressively at her last outing.

Martin, however, remains cautious about any assumptions in juvenile company.

“All I know is when you’ve got two-year-olds and there are unraced horses, you don’t know whether your horse is running against Usain Bolt or me,” Martin said.

“You just don’t know what they’re up against.”

The Schweppes Handicap is one of the last Saturday races for two-year-olds this season, with the current racing year set to wrap up on July 31.

For those interested in betting on the Schweppes Handicap, the race offers a fascinating clash of proven talent and untapped potential.