The toughest question confronting punters as they approach next month’s Del-Re National A. G. Hunter Cup and the Miracle Mile that follows isn’t whether Jason Grimson can sweep said features, but which of his horses will do so. 

He’s manifested many monikers in the past 18 months has Grimson; freak, genius, horse whisperer – fellow trainer and media man Steve Cleave even suggested he might be the second coming of a well-known Christian saviour. 

In many ways, however, the young, brilliant, media-shy mentor that’s taken southern hemisphere harness racing by storm also bears significant similarities to a bloke named Billy Beane. 

For those who haven’t heard of him, Beane is the baseball visionary upon whom Aaron Sorkin’s intriguing and critically acclaimed film Moneyball was based. 

As the story goes, Beane, in concert with Peter Brand, who devised an analytical system called sabermetrics (look it up), forged his reputation and career upon recruiting undervalued players. 

So far, Grimson has claimed an Inter Dominion Final with Boncel Benjamin, dominated the Blacks A Fake and finished second in The Race by Grins with Majestic Cruiser and then, for good measure, snared a second Inter Dominion crown with I Cast No Shadow. 

Staggeringly, none of these pacers were considered Grand Circuit standard before reaching Grimson’s barn, yet all are now Grand Circuit winners 

Even more staggeringly, the fourth musketeer among Grimson’s recruits, Major Meister – or D’Artagnan if you will - is yet to taste Grand Circuit success. 

Yet, on face value, he seems the very best of all. 

Amazingly, talking behind the scenes, there’s also former juvenile star Sicario, who was backed to beat Major Meister in last weekend’s Garrard's Horse and Hound Bendigo Pacing Cup and very nearly did so. 

Like the aforementioned Beane, Grimson possesses an extraordinary talent, not just for training, but also identifying ‘undervalued’ talent. 

None of this is new, of course. 

For time immemorial, trainers have sought to purchase standardbreds they felt, for whatever reasons, would benefit from different tutelage or a new environment. 

What Grimson’s achieving, however, supersedes anything previously witnessed. 

Ok, so back to our original quandary. 

Who, from the big three – or potentially big four - holds court approaching two of Australasia’s richest and most revered events. 

Tonight, in the Neatline Homes Shepparton Gold Cup, I Cast No Shadow draws to win, Majestic Cruiser is challenged to regain his crown among the Grimson crew and Sicario is implored to replicate his heroics at Lords Raceway last weekend. 

Also, as mentioned, all three may have been demoted behind Cranbourne and Bendigo Cup king, Major Meister. 

One thing is certain; the standard has been set. 

Like it or otherwise, Grimson, just like Beane when his stunning early results recalibrated the nature of baseball recruitment, will now be measured against excellence alone.  

Once, not so long ago, the young phenom was celebrated for his ascension. 

Now, expectations have radically evolved. 

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.