Gary Clarke wants to keep enjoying the ride with precocious galloper Hidden Surprise.
The five-year-old has been a revelation ever since arriving in the Clarke stable after being purchased for $15,000 at the 2010 Darwin Turf Club tried horse auction.
Virtually 12 months on, Hidden Surprise had emerged as one of the Top End's most exciting speedsters.
A runner-up effort in last year's Pioneer Sprint (1200m) to Awe And Wonder was an early glimpse, but the highlight came when he toppled The Soldier in the Carbine Club Flying Handicap (1100m). But it must be said on that occasion, The Soldier lumped 63kg, conceding 9kg to Hidden Surprise.
Today at Fannie Bay, Hidden Surprise finds himself with 62kg to carry as he resumes in the feature Palm Photographics Special Conditions Handicap (1100m).
It is the start of a journey Clarke aims will include another crack at the Pioneer before possibly testing the son of Flying Spur over further ground during the 2012 Darwin Cup Carnival.
"This is a good stepping stone for him, he's got a big weight, but he's got to go through it, you can't go around it," Clarke said.
"He is a strong little horse, although it is yet to be seen whether he can carry big weights against what is a handy field. It will be a good test for him.
"It's a good race to start his preparation, at this point in time the main aim for him is the Pioneer again."
Clarke explained much of the reason for Hidden Surprise's sharp rise through the grades occurred thanks to one key gear change.
"He was a bit stop-start in his early days with us, but once we put the blinkers on it added six lengths," he said.
Another crucial ingredient is the presence of jockey Brendon Davis, who has built up a fine affinity with Hidden Surprise.
"He goes good for Brendon, he's won on him four times," Clarke said.
Standing in the way of Hidden Surprise and a first-up win are flying mare Pick Of The Lot, chasing her fourth successive win, the well-credentialled Yoburg, Firedrake, Brinkley Boy and Lucerne Vale.
Story courtesy of Gregor Mactaggart, NT News
