Debuting as an autumn 3yo requires considerable patience from connections. Yet, when victory is achieved within a couple of starts, the long wait appears worthwhile especially carrying a moniker like MEASURE UP!
The son of MAURICE had shown some promise at the Sunshine Coast when a close 5th at his first start after innumerable trials and jumpouts. Under a brilliant ride from Jag Guthmann-Chester, the gelding indeed, aimed up in the 1200m Maiden Thursday at Warwick.
Running virtually the same time as the two divisions of the BM55 event, MEASURE UP showed admirable race smarts on the back of a sharp getaway and a sweet run in transit.
“He was very professional throughout and he actually surprised me a bit with his acceleration when the gap appeared on straightening,” Guthmann-Chester revealed post race.
Visually it looked as if the horse was on a fairly loose rein for the majority of the event, suggesting the tempo of a longer race would suit, a theory that Jag’s additional comments endorsed.
“I probably would have liked him to travel a little better in the run but I still had plenty of horse there.”
Despite siring the ageless, sprinting warrior MAZU, the majority of the the MAURICE breed appreciate some ground or at least middle distances. MEASURE UP seems destined to contest longer races but all in the fullness of time.
The leggy Arrowfield bred has come a long way in terms of both his mental and physical maturity though trainer Matt Hoysted is likely to send him to the paddock for a well earned break.
MEASURE UP becomes Proven’s 30th winner for the 2025-26 season.
Photo credit: Warwick Turf Club