Trainer Maddie Raymond has loftier plans for Earlswood after the imported galloper scored at his Australian debut at Caulfield.
The UK-bred galloper who raced successfully in Ireland, took out the Group 3 T S Carlyon Stakes (1600m) on Saturday at his first outing since September.
Raymond is now eyeing off the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 12 and has not ruled out running the son of pivotal in the $5 million All-Star Mile (1600m) the following week.
Ridden by Damian Lane, Earlswood ($12) scored a short-head win from Callsign Mav ($5) with Melbourne Cup placegetter Spanish Mission ($7.50) a half-neck away third.
“We’re over the moon today,” Raymond said.
“We’ve come here without a jump-out, so he’s got plenty of improvement left in the tank.
“We’re so lucky to get a horse like this through Jane Davies. We’ve got Wentwood and now a classy colt like this.
“It’s very exciting going forward.”
Raymond said the All-Star Mile was tempting with the $5 million prize money on offer but a more realistic target would be the Australian Cup.
She said the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on March 5 could be a defining race.
“Obviously the All-Star Mile is a little bit tempting,” Raymond said.
“We’ll have a chat with Damian and the owners. We could go to a Blamey potentially and then the All-Star Mile and take the risk of him getting in.
“But I think he’s an ideal Australian Cup candidate.”
Lane said Earlswood would be better suited on a roomier track that Caulfield.
“He crabbed a little bit around the corner just getting used to a tight track like this, so a bigger track will suit him,” Lane said.