Trainer Tony Gollan is adamant two-year-old Social Conquest has a bright future despite his narrow debut win at the Gold Coast.
Social Conquest started an even money favourite on the strength of his impressive barrier trial win at Deagon last week.
After being forced to chase a tearaway leader, the gelding arrived just in time to beat Orquesta ($15) by a half neck in a blanket finish to the Langs Building Supplies Maiden Plate (900m).
Social Conquest is eligible for a $100,000 QTIS race at the Gold Coast on March 12 but is no certainty to run.
"He only had his first barrier trial last week. I am not into killing two-year-olds by over-racing them," Gollan said.
"Social Conquest is eligible for the QTIS race and it is good money.
"But he was tradesman-like in winning today and he is a much better horse than you saw today."
Gollan will decide in the next few days whether to give Social Conquest a break or press on to the QTIS race.
Social Conquest is by promising first season sire Love Conquers All who has also produced unbeaten Queensland two-year-old filly Love Spy.
The victory by Social Conquest gave jockey Jim Byrne his 26th win for Gollan this season, four of them in the past week.