Gelding
might be the making of promising Fastnet Rock three year-old Potent Force, a
full brother to Arrowfield Stud's Champion Australian First Season Sire Smart
Missile.
A homebred for Gooree Stud prepared by James Cummings, Potent Force was second
at his first two runs back from a spell since being gelded and broke the ice at
Canterbury on Wednesday with a determined length victory in the 1550 metre
maiden as favourite.
While his brother Smart Missile was all about speed and has the distinction of
being the only horse to beat Golden Slipper winner and Champion 2YO Sepoy at
two, Potent Force appeals as a candidate for longer trips.
"That was a strong staying performance from a nice young horse," said James
Cummings.
"He's learning all the time and he's not done yet."
Potent Force is entered for the Group I VRC Victoria Derby (2500m) and while he
might not run quite that far, his trainer may yet find a nice race in Melbourne
for this progressive son of Fastnet Rock.
Potent Force is the fifth winner from Comical Smile (USA), who has also left Surge
Ahead and Kiss From a Rose to go with Smart Missile.
A half-sister to Group I winner and ill-fated sire Northern Meteor, Comical
Smile has a two year-old filly to come by Exceed and Excel called Absolutely
Perfect.