Handsome Thief (Image: Racing Photos)
Darren Weir really can do everything - he can even give a good name to a Thief and a Stealer.
Early on Friday night, Victoria's dominant trainer bagged a double with debutant Handsome Thief winning rather handsomely in race one, while Star Stealer stole race three with a late dash.
Four-year-old Handsome Thief took out the William Hill Plate (1200m), and Weir is hoping he can now race on for a long preparation after taking a while to get to the track.
WATCH: Handsome Thief gaps them on debut
The Shamardal entire travelled beautifully for Brad Rawiller, loomed up at the top of the straight and went on to win by 3.75 lengths eased up prior to the post from My Aim Is True, and a further 2.5 back to third-placegetter Limestone Cowboy.
It was a maiden featuring G3 placegetter Big John Cannon, and a couple of last-start runners-up in Ubersonic Empress and Layne's Star, but Weir's galloper was superior in winning in 1:10.41.
"He's always trialled up well at home - he's taken a long time to get there," Weir said.
"As [usual] with the Waratah Thoroughbred horses, they give them all the time in the world to get them right.
"He trialled up well coming here tonight, but sometimes you don't know under race conditions, but he got a great ride from Brad and he let down really well, so going forward, it's promising.
"It [1:10.41] is a good gallop, and hopefully he'll stretch out over a little bit further.
"But like all Waratah horses are beautifully bred horses, and hopefully this one can go on with the job, get over a bit further and win a better race.
"He's a sound horse; I've given him plenty of time, so there's no reason why he couldn't race on for quite a while now."
On Star Stealer's win in the Simpson Construction Handicap (1000m), Weir said they have figured out the best way to ride the five-year-old - with Ben Allen waiting patiently before unleashing a sharp burst late to win it.
WATCH: Star Stealer lunges late to win