Launching the career of a stakes-level thoroughbred in easier company is common practice, allowing trainers to build confidence while owners save on costs.

For Starlight Stakes favourite Zealously, however, his modest starting point reflected Peter Snowden’s early assessment—one he quickly upgraded as the horse continued to exceed expectations.

“To be honest, I placed him where I thought he was at, but he just keeps improving and improving,” Snowden said.

“Last preparation he took a big leap. He ran fourth to Private Harry in the Sunlight and he ran very well.

“He came back and won again after that and I thought, you’re a stakes horse now.”

Zealously produced a brilliant return by breaking the 1000m record at Warwick Farm first-up, then ran a bold second to Rey Magnerio in the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint (1000m).

He was booked to run in The Warra (1000m) at Kembla Grange, but a heavy rain band forced a mid-meeting scratching.

Snowden said the missed run was not ideal, though Zealously has handled the longer break between starts without issue heading into Saturday’s Starlight Stakes (1100m).

“He has been five weeks between runs, and he needs to get back to the races,” Snowden said.

“Normally, I would have definitely barrier trialled him in between but now that this has happened, it limits what you can do.

“But I’m still happy with him. His work was great (Tuesday) morning, and he looks fantastic. I’m not worried about his condition or on him getting away from me at all.”

A strong performance would see Zealously progress to the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap (1200m) before connections consider the Magic Millions Sprint (1200m) later in the summer.

For those betting on the Starlight Stakes, make sure to check the latest markets at the top Australian betting sites.