Bruce Hill has been there for the exploits of greats Grosvenor, Sovereign Red and Gurner's Lane in the Melbourne Cup, and several of Gerald Ryan's group 1 successes, but Teronado could crack new ground for him in the Australian Derby at Randwick on Saturday.
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The Gold Coast horseman is looking to open his group 1 account as a trainer after spending many years as a foreman, firstly with hall of fame trainer Geoff Murphy in Melbourne and then Ryan on the Gold Coast.
"I have seen some good ones," Hill said. "When Gerald shut up shop on the Gold Coast about six or seven years ago I stayed and went into training from the stables. It has been good."
Hill has had his share of winners and the odd good horse but Teronado could give him the dream in the Derby that has been a long time in the planning.
"If he wins [on Saturday] he will be the best I have had," Hill said. "He has been away for quite a while now and it has been working towards the Derby.
"He came down to Sydney and then went to Melbourne and came back here and it has always been to get to this day, and he has not disappointed us."
Hill bought Teronado for $45,000 as a yearling with an eye to him becoming a stayer. It has proved a good investment as the gelding has earned nearly $200,000 from 12 starts, including three wins.
The son of Testa Rossa has proved his worth at group 1 level running fifth in the Australian Guineas at Flemington, fourth in the Randwick Guineas and third in the Rosehill Guineas at his past three runs.
"I like the stayers because you have them for longer and they are a bit of a challenge," Hill said.
"We mapped out this campaign for him and he has shown he is up to it by running good races. He has been getting back in the field and running home better sectionals late than the winner in them over the shorter trips."
Teronado was five lengths from Criterion at the finish in the Rosehill Guineas but Hill believes his charge is a chance to turn the tables over 2400m.
"i would be really confident if we were going to get a dry track," he said. "He is just better on firm ground.
"He has been getting back to last in his races but over the Derby trip I can see him settling a bit closer and he will still be able to run home the same sectionals. He will run the trip and it would be great if he could win."
