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By Ray Hickson

His wins have been narrow and heart stopping but promising import Huetor is showing champion jockey Kerrin McEvoy an important trait that he says he needs to be a Group performer in 2022.

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy (Pic: Bradley Photos).

That trait is his sprint, something that has taken him from very tricky positions in his two Australian starts to eye-catching victories.

Huetor is out to remain unbeaten for the Peter and Paul Snowden yard in the Precise Air Handicap (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday, after which he’s likely to earn a short break.

“A good turn of foot at a staying trip is essential when you are going to Group level,’’ McEvoy said.

“He was only a neck winner the other day but when he quickened through on the inside I knew I was the winner and that was 300m out.

“Both times he hasn’t had everything go his way but he’s been a winner. He’s an exciting import and you’d like to think we can see a better showing again.”

The five-year-old, $4 with TAB on Friday, was unfancied in the betting at his local debut over a mile at Newcastle but defied an on pace pattern, due to winds, to win then he stepped up to 2000m at Rosehill two weeks ago and again rounded his rivals up.

In doing so he clocked 33.83 for his last 600m (Punter’s Intelligence), two lengths faster than the next best, and a slick last 200m of 11.16 at the end of a middle distance.

The Snowden camp resisted the temptation to head in next week’s Group 3 Summer Cup (2000m) preferring to give Huetor the opportunity to take advantage of his 84 rating and climb the ladder slowly.

“I think it’s a good move, he’s got room to move in his ratings band and you’d like to think he is going to end up in Group races eventually,’’ he said.

“The Snowdens weren’t chirping about him at Newcastle even though he’d been pleasing him. They were learning about him, he’s only really starting to hit his straps I’d imagine.

“Typically these internationals can settle in better in their second preparation.”

While his finish is the best part of his race, McEvoy said Huetor still has some work to do when it comes to the early part as he was a clear last out of the gates at Rosehill

“Hopefully he does jump better because he just bounced a bit in the gates the other day drawn one,’’ he said.

“Other than the last five seconds he actually stood up quite well. We’d like to see him begin a bit better than what he has done in his first two runs but he’s a horse that is going to be mid to back anyway.

“The beauty is he relaxes well and he quickens instantly, both good traits to have.”

Among his other rides, McEvoy is expecting a handy first-up showing from Oscar Zulu in the ACY Securities Handicap (1400m).

Huetor wins at Rosehill on December 4

The Chris Waller-trained galloper, who was the BOBs horse of the year last season, shouldn’t be underestimated first-up according to McEvoy.

“Both his trials have been on the bridle trials but he’s showing good mannerisms that he’s well in himself,’’ he said.

“He has a handy little first-up record so I wouldn’t say he can’t run well given the soft draw.

“It’s an open class race but he took nice steps last prep. There’s a few that are first-up and this horse has residual fitness from a prep that ended early September.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's Randwick meeting