Clayton Douglas always believed Top Reward would live up to his short price on debut, but the colt’s performance exceeded expectations enough for the Mornington horseman to immediately raise the bar.

The Shamus Award youngster will now head straight into Group company, lining up for his second career start in Saturday’s $400,000 Sandown Guineas at Caulfield.

The 1600-metre contest comes just over three weeks after his dominant maiden victory over 1500m at Mornington, and Douglas said the opportunity was too appealing to ignore with the $300,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast purchase.

“I thought he’d win first up and he did,” Douglas said.

“We paid a bit of money for him and when you’ve got these colts you pay a bit of money for and there’s race like that there and it’s at the end of the carnival, it’s definitely worth having a crack at.

“He’s shown me nice ability at home, so he’ll definitely be running well.”

Top Reward is rated a $15 chance in early markets, which are currently headed by Group 3 The Vanity winner Sheza Alibi at $2.20.

Douglas gave Top Reward experience at Caulfield on Tuesday, taking him for a familiarisation gallop to ensure the colt is fully prepared for the significant class rise.

“I just brought him out here today for a day out and he’s pulled up well, so I’m looking forward to Saturday,” he said.

“It is a big jump in grade, so hopefully he can take that step but I think he’ll run really well.

“He’s a really lovely laid-back colt and I think even with more time under his belt he’s going to be even better.”

Potential opposition includes Burma Star and Tagline, who finished first and second in the Listed Springtime Stakes (1400m) on Melbourne Cup Day, alongside consistent performer Call Da Vinci and progressive type Centu Cavaddi.