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By Ray Hickson

Jockey Adam Hyeronimus says it’s easy to see that bigger things are in store for emerging colt Hidden Achievement beyond what he might do at Rosehill on Saturday.

The youngster is typical of what his trainer Chris Waller can produce at this time of year and his appearance in the Schweppes Handicap (1300m) is likely only due to the barrier he drew for the Group 2 Sires’ in Brisbane.

Jockey Adam Hyeronimus (Pic: Bradley Photos).

And given he has a nomination for the Group 1 JJ Atkins in two weeks, a race Waller has won with Press Statement (2015) and The Autumn Sun (2018), it’s safe to assume that’s where he’s headed next.

“He’s a very nice colt that is only on the way up,’’ Hyeronimus said.

“It looks a nice suitable race again for him and if he can tick that off no doubt he will be on to bigger and better things.”

Hidden Achievement, $2.70 with TAB on Friday, put the writing on the wall with an eye-catching debut second at Canterbury over 1250m then dropped 50m in scoring a strong win over stablemate Sarapo at the Gosford stand alone meeting three weeks ago.

It was Hyeronimus’ first ride on the Yulong colt and he rated the win even better than it looked to the eye, as well as a sign of his potential.

“I like the improvement he’s shown in terms of learning race manners, jumping a lot better and being in a better position through the run,’’ he said.

“He got through the conditions on the day very well so now he goes back to his home track, a bigger track, and further in distance so I think it is only going to enhance his chances.

“It was a very good win and he’s only going to be a better horse a mile and 2000m eventually once he is older and strengthens up.

“So for him to be winning so well over these shorter distances is a positive thing.”

It’s been a big month of May for the jockey they call ‘Hippo’ with 13 winners from 44 rides, including nine city wins.

He’ll chase his third stakes win for the month on board Group 1 winner Major Beel in the Listed $200,000 Kia Lord Mayors Cup (2000m) and he’s expectations are somewhat high.

The 2023 Australian Derby winner is third-up after what Hyeronimus thought was a more than acceptable fifth in the Scone Cup and he says a wet track only enhances his chances.

“They were way too quick for him first-up this preparation but the set up at Scone was good,’’ he said.

“We had a wide barrier and could take our time to roll to the front. We controlled, he sprinted really well at the top of the straight and they were just a bit sharp for him.

“I think 2000m is what he’s looking for and it’s really going to suit him, and we’ll probably be racing on a soft track so that will suit him as well.”

Lightly raced three-year-old Kundabung impressed Hyeronimus with his maiden win back on May 14 and says he wouldn’t be surprised if he repeated the dose in the Precise Air Handicap (1500m).

The gelding races in the distinctive colours of owner Neville Morgan carried by the likes of Kolding, Kermadec, Kovalica and Rangirangdoo to name a few.

“I think he’s a nice horse that is going to keep improving, he’s very much the mould of a Chris Waller up and comer,’’ Hyeronimus said.

“It’ll be baby steps for him and he’ll reach his potential and tick these sort of races off as he goes.

“I was confident riding him the other day, everything opened up at the top of the straight. I probably wasn’t necessarily hoping for that because I wanted to have him cuddled up a little bit longer but he really attacked the line and was good through the line.

“If he can be smothered up a bit longer than last start you’ll see a better turn of foot.”

Hidden Achievement wins at Gosford on May 10

Adam Hyeronimus on Power Ballard (race 5): “She missed the race at Canterbury when she was fractious in the barriers and there were no other options around at the time when she was ready to run first-up. She just overdid it a fraction so back to the 1100m will make a difference.”

On Weeping Woman (race 10): “She trialled really well, that was my first ride on her, she’s got good form and she is a big strong mare that looks to be able to keep progressing. Realistically she could end up stakes grade, she’s got a very good constitution.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Rosehill meeting