By Neil Evans
He might only be a two-year-old, but a steady and gradual plan is about to hit the take-off button at Monday’s Scone meeting.
Exciting juvenile Fortissimo returns for only his second start after digging in hard to win narrowly on debut here 24 days ago.
Aaron Bullock will ride Fortissimo on Monday.Credit: Getty Images
It may have only been a half-head win, but on a bottomless heavy 10 rating the run was full of merit for a gelding which can now quickly progress through the grades.
He sat wide in the early part and despite coming under pressure a fair way from home dug in hard in shifting ground to drive home best.
It was the run of a real racehorse in the making, and being out of a Japanese-sired mare, it was obvious even then Fortissimo will be at his best when he gets to the middle distances.
Local training partners Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich had no hesitation in stepping the son of Snitzel up sharply 400m in distance to a 1400m assignment at Benchmark 58 level, naturally with Aaron Bullock keeping the ride.
And there is a hidden formline to suggest he will be even more effective against the older horses at his second start.
The third-placed finisher from that debut win on Country Championship Wild Card day, Splash Of Steel, then ran a terrific closing third in the feature Wellington Boot a fortnight ago.
Rewinding the clock and in typical stable style, Fortissimo was given plenty of time in the paddock after an early trial last spring.
He was then given two more progressive trials up to 1000m before that debut win.
Fortimissmo opened an early $2.80 favourite ahead of rival locals New Pharoah and Call Me Terry both around the $4.80 mark.
Generally fine and sunny weather should see the track improve from a soft five through Sunday to good four by race day.
Supplied by Racing NSW
