Grahame Begg excited by Katsu
Katsu saluted in impressive style down the Flemington Straight on Wednesday giving trainer Grahame Begg a level of optimism to kick on to bigger targets.
An emerging talent in the sprinting world and a winner of five from ten, settle perfectly in the run before booting home and away from a talented field to win the Listed Kensington Stakes.
Stable rep for Begg, Rohan Hughes said Begg was ready to formulate a plan for Katsu now the first up target was locked away.
"He stayed relaxed and when Jordan (Childs) asked for an effort he really gave an effort," Hughes said.
"He was on the minimum with 54kg but stakes race first-up for a low-rating horse is a very impressive effort.
"Maturity is everything and hopefully he has taken a bit of maturity coming into this preparation.
"If he controls himself and moderates himself in his races, like he did today, he can well and truly get to a better level because he definitely has got the talent."
The Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on February 24 could be the ultimate goal for Katsu.
"He's very lightly raced and still an inexperienced horse," Hughes said.
"Whether it happens now or (next campaign), what he shows at home is ridiculous, the speed he's got and the splits he can run.
"It's always been there it's just a matter of whether he matured up and he's obviously started that now."