That horse is Seduttore, a three-year-old son of Nicconi who created a big
impression when winning his debut on the Avondale track earlier this month.
Seduttore had shown improvement in each of his three trials and on the strength of his debut win he has been scouted by bloodstock agents.
"If he wins again I'd say he could end up in Hong Kong," Marsh said. "He's a smart horse and he's always shown plenty."
Seduttore holds a nomination for the Gr.1 Grant Plumbing Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham on January 13, such is the high opinion Marsh has held for him.
Seduttore was bred by Lindsay de Souza, who has enjoyed much success as an owner with his racing interests in New Zealand, including the multiple Group One winner Turn Me Loose.
He was bought for $60,000 from last year's Select Yearling Sale at Karaka by Chris Rutten and originally prepared by Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard, but hadn't trialled when he arrived at Marsh's stable to be syndicated.
Seduttore showed immediate talent for Marsh when second in his first trial behind the talented Sacred Rebel and was then considered a likely contender for the Gr.2 Hawke's Bay Guineas (1400m), but his dislike for wet tracks prevented him from being ready for the feature.
Seduttore was also placed in his next trial, at Ruakaka last month, then won at the Cambridge trials last month before making his successful raceday debut.
Marsh was impressed by Seduttore's debut win, particularly the way he knuckled down and kicked back when headed near the finish. "He's only going to get better and better," he said.
The Cambridge trainer is no stranger to losing exciting young gallopers to overseas interests.
Just last month Sumstreetsumwhere was sold to Hong Kong when one of the leading candidates for the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld NZ 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton after winning the Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes (1400m) at Te Rapa.
Marsh will also be represented by a rival for Seduttore at Avondale in the Friends Of Football 1200 with Scarlet's Secret attempting to turn her form around after two unplaced runs this campaign.
She showed promise last year when winning a sprint double.
Marsh's other prospects at Avondale include the Smart Missile filly Amanjena, who finished a creditable sixth on debut last July behind the smart Getty after being slow away then hampered midway through the race. "It was a good effort that day," Marsh said. "I like her." - NZ Racing Desk
