Developing a stayer takes time and patience.
And for any trainer the early part is simply, a work in progress.
Warwick Farm horseman Bruce Cross believes lightly raced Tickets On Kye who lines up at Bathurst on Monday chasing back to back wins, has all the ingredients to make it as a stayer, albeit down the track.
The four-year-old gelding didn't commence his racing career 2015 when Cross brought him in on two separate occasions, trialled him and put him away again to develop.
By Tickets out of the Integra mare Dawnfire, Tickets On Kye finally faced the starter in a race in May this year. Cross has a good understanding of the family having trained Dawnfire and her dam, Fantastique.
The trio have been raced by long-time client Malcolm Chung.
Tickets On Kye has had just four starts recording a second over 1600m in a Goulburn maiden before scoring last start when stepped up to 2000m for the first time at Bathurst on August 8. Tickets On Kye only got there in the last bound on a heavy 10 racing surface but it was the manner in which he hit the line that impressed Cross.
"It was a good strong win," Cross said. "He's nothing special but he keeps improving a bit every time he goes around.
"He's in his right place in these type of races. This is his first racing preparation and he's done pretty well. The trip on Monday certainly won't worry him."
Tickets On Kye steps out in the Bette Holland Benchmark 55 Handicap (2000m) with Andrew Banks in the saddle.
The gelding has shown a liking for wet surfaces but Cross believes he's a better horse on top of the ground.
"To be honest I think he's better on firmer going," Cross added. "He's only a small fella, around 450 kilos.
"I think he's a year off his best when he develops more. This is his first real preparation and he's done a good job. It's been a bit of a stop start campaign and after tomorrow he'll probably go to the paddock."
Cross will also saddle up Our Sassy Girl in the Westco Benchmark 55 Handicap (1400m) and rates her a decent chance at odds.
