The Bettor's Delight 3yr-old had proved a problem child before he debuted in style at Forbury Park 10 days ago, and the driver change for yesterday's 2000m mobile pace at Oamaru hinted at where his future may lie.
Canterbury driver Anthony Butt took the reins with a view to the gelding joining brother Tim Butt's stable in the near future and took up the lead with 1400m, going on to win by three-quarters of a length in 2.29.6.
While the sale is far from confirmed, Anthony Butt liked what he felt when holding the reins behind the Neville Cleaver-owned pacer and will give his recommendation back to his brother.
''He's pretty green and pretty relaxed, but he did the job well,'' Butt said.
''He's a nice horse - you'd think in another six months' time, he'd be better again.''
The Butts are turning the purchase of tried horses into an art form. Hunter Cup winner Mah Sish is the most notable of their purchases to go through the grades.
Much like Rocky Road's trainer Nathan Williamson, who had to deal with several injury problems over a year before finally qualifying the black gelding at Forbury Park last month, the Butts have been patiently waiting for the last foal of Jenna's Beach Boy mare Roxy O'Neill to appear.
''About last September, a [contact] saw him at the trials, but he's just had a few problems and hiccups, so it's been a waiting process.''
Williamson's father, Phil, and brother Brad combined twice on the card thanks to heady drives by Brad Williamson behind the two trotters.
He found a small gap to squeeze Left Right Andcentre through in the non-winners trot, while Alexandra Leaving was too smart in the 1-5 win trot.
Phil Williamson said Alexandra Leaving had earned a good spell and would not be seen again at the races until after Christmas.
''She's a good mare and she'll do a good job. We think a bit of her,'' he said.
''Her mother [Cabaletta] won seven races and it wouldn't surprise me if she [Alexandra Leaving] won seven.''
The Williamsons have had the Majestic Son filly since she was weaned from Cabaletta, a half-sister to Allegro Agitato.
''She's taken a little bit of making. As she gets stronger, she's going to get a little bit better. ''Expressionist is also heading to the paddock after 12 months in work for Roxburgh trainers Geoff and Jude Knight.
''He's been racing well against really good horses, and we've kept him going to try and get his free win [every second win as a 3yr-old is penalty free],'' Geoff Knight said.
''He's going to go out for about 10 weeks and we'll bring him back for Roxburgh [in January].''
