Its Oscar may have been good enough to beat Royal Aspirations as a 2yr-old, but his trainer is holding off from a rematch with the leading 3yr-old for as long as possible.
The 3yr-old Sundon gelding produced a dazzling finish to clear the maiden trotting grade at Winton yesterday, downing Gentle Georgia with a late run.
The speed Its Oscar displayed was not a shock to his Mosgiel trainer-driver Darryn Simpson, who first saw Its Oscar when he was born on his property for co-breeder Dennis O'Connell, of Seacliff.
Simpson broke the gelding in before sending him to Motukarara trainer Murray Edmonds, who qualified him in February 2012. After two unplaced runs, Its Oscar downed a 2yr-old field at Methven which included Royal Aspirations, Paramount Queen, Habibti and Sheemon, who all made their marks as juveniles.
''He's got speed like a pacer,'' Simpson said.
''He can run a quarter [400m] at home in 28 seconds, which is pretty good for a maiden trotter.''
Its Oscar is still dealing with nerves, which can be a problem with younger Sundon stock, but he has grown during his spell after his 2yr-old season.
''He's definitely come back bigger and stronger. Hopefully he can gain some confidence from that win today.
''I'm staying away from the 3yr-old races on purpose. We'll probably just potter around here at this stage.''
