Trainer Adam Trinder was careful not to draw comparisons with his stable star, but it was hard not to be impressed with the debut performance of Mystical Warrior at Spreyton on Sunday.
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The gelding backed up his successful trial form by blowing away his opposition in the 2YO Maiden event over 1150 metres, winning by five-and-a-half lengths thanks to a withering burst of speed in the second half of the race.
Instead Trinder likened the emerging sprinter to another one of his former favourites, and said there were some promising signs for a prosperous future.
"He's a little bit bullish, and while he's no relation except for the ownership group, he reminds me a lot of Valiant Warrior in the early days," Trinder said.
"He'll have to tone that down in the future as we continue to raise the bar, but he's definitely heading in the right direction.
"There's a bit of speed and talent there, but he has some tenacity as well which will take him a long way.
"He slipped along and his last 500m would have been really quick.
"It could have potentially left him a bit vulnerable in the last 100m but he was nice and strong through the line with no pressure on him.
"He should be alright through the back end of autumn, then we will see what he is like as a three-year-old."
The result by Mystical Warrior was part of a successful day at the office for Trinder, who collected three other wins thanks to Thineisthekingdom, Kathonious and former King Island galloper Debseraa, who made it two wins from as many starts at Spreyton and nine wins from 11 attempts overall.
Wesley Vale trainer Glenn Stevenson claimed a winning double with Fighting Phoenix and Winky Dink, while jockey Anthony Darmanin rode a treble.