Linda Meech aboard Tavirun (Image: Racing Photos)
Tavirun emerged as Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young's top seed for the Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas and the AAMI Victoria Derby after an impressive all-the-way win over 1500m at The Valley on Saturday.
The last-start Donald maiden winner went to the barriers as a $19 chance but was rated to perfection by Linda Meech, holding out Musswellbrook, Aristia and well-supported favourite Approach Discreet over the final 200m.
Young was delighted with the performance and said the son of Tavistock was showing similar ability to several well-performed three-year-olds from previous seasons.
"I think we've found another nice Tavistock," Young said.
"We were initially thinking a Derby path (for him) but after the amount of toe he showed today we might have to look towards the Guineas.
"I think he's as good as what we've had so far, he's definitely up there with the likes of Sully, Main Stage and Sangster, and he's probably a little bit sharper if anything."
WATCH: Hear from Linda Meech
Tavirun's stablemate Savvy Oak finished out of the placings but Young was not disheartened, suggesting a trip to Sydney for the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m) next start could aid the gelding's development.
And less than half an hour after Tavirun's win, the stable appeared to unearth another progressive three-year-old in the form of Oregon Dreamer, a $6000 yearling, who broke his maiden by seven lengths at Kilmore.
WATCH: Tavirun's win