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Talented four-year-old gelding Curious made it three wins from his last four starts with a comfortable victory at Te Rapa on Saturday.

Although trainer Gary Alton didn’t have much time to celebrate as he prepared for another important task that evening.

Alton will produce the in-form Biologist for his toughest test to date in Wednesday’s Gr. 2 Couplands Bakeries Mile at Riccarton and was putting the finishing touches on his travel preparations shortly after the completion of racing on the day.

“We didn’t have much time to savour the win on Saturday as I had to get Biologist ready for the float trip to Auckland as he was on a flight to Christchurch later in the night,” he said.

“He travelled down there with a few of the other northern horses and made it to his base at Brian Court’s place at around 6am on Sunday morning.

“All reports are he travelled well so we are happy with him at this stage and I’m confident he will put in a good showing.”

With Biologist assuming the mantle of stable star following the retirement of multiple Group One winner Historian last season, Alton is hopeful Curious can also make the jump to stakes level once he fully matures into his imposing frame.

“He’s a big gangly sort and you can see the improvement he has made from his first campaign,” he noted.

“We only raced him as a three-year-old because his owner, Graham Morgan, was in very poor health and were keen to get a win before he passed away but sadly he just wasn’t strong enough to do that.

“During his winter spell he really strengthened up however I do think he is still at least six months away from his best.

“A race like the Rich Hill Mile at Ellerslie at Christmas might be something to aspire to with him as I think he will be best around that distance but we will play it by ear at this stage as this time next year might be when you see the very best of him.”