On their path to stardom all athletic heroes must pass traditional tests, not unlike, for those who love their Greek mythology, the 12 labours of Hercules.
Three weeks ago, savagely spruiked four-year-old entire District Attorney passed such a challenge.
Pitted against quality opposition from an awful gate seven draw, trainers Ted and Blake Caruana conferred with regular reinsman Michael Bellman and, between them, postulated their plan.
Given District Attorney’s obvious class and widely held reputation, rolling forward and removing fortune seemed the easiest option.
In racing, however, just as in life, the easiest option rarely pays dividends.
Rather than appease punters and play percentages, the team behind District Attorney backed their judgement, trusted their steed and spotted the leaders an almighty advantage.
As we know now, that leap of faith, that touch of courage, was handsomely rewarded when District Attorney peeled off the track and trounced his hapless rivals with rarely witnessed class.
Breathtaking as that triumph was, however, it didn’t confirm that Cruz Bromac’s little brother was open class or Grand Circuit standard.
It simply solidified the soaring opinions that many have harboured his earliest days.
In fundamental terms, he passed – indeed aced – his first major test.
Tonight, at Melton Park, District Attorney will once again face the examiner – the Gold Bullion Final for four-year-old males, and once again be challenged.
Let’s be clear; just as his last start heroics were a stepping-stone to stardom, tonight’s call to arms cannot elevate District Attorney anywhere near his goal.
It can, however, cast quiet doubts about his capacity to reach that lofty summit.
Two scenarios loom in the final leg of this evening’s metro quad.
District Attorney goes forward early and either parks outside gifted mare Petillante or possibly receives mid-race cover from her stablemate Khafaji.
District Attorney plays the same card as last time out, minding his own business early then effortlessly exploding with a devastating sprint.
Predictably enough, however, the only measurement that matters regardless of tempo and tactics is whether this preternaturally talented pacer finds a way to win.
If he’s forced to labour early and still proves too strong late, it’s another string to the young tyro’s bow.
If he spots Petillante an epic start in a race with little obvious pressure and still zooms past her late, we’ll start comparing him with horses like Hectorjayjay and others.
Alternatively, if District Attorney runs the gate and waivers late, doubters will question his versatility; and they’ll also do the same if he goes back and misses rather than fight a front end war.
Ultimately, none of this truly matters in District Attorney’s ascension.
Winning or losing tonight at Melton won’t define his fate or his future.
Nevertheless, the gruelling nature of these Herculean labours forcefully remind us just what it takes to become a shining star.
The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the author and may not be attributed to or represent policies of Harness Racing Victoria, which is the state authority and owner of thetrots.com.au.