Crescent King set for Brian Crowley Stakes after Warwick Farm triumph

While Crescent King has not yet been tested in Saturday races, a commanding win at Warwick Farm on Monday could well have earned him a start in Stakes company.

The Written Tycoon colt, a three-year-old, now boasts two wins from as many starts this preparation after he reeled in the speedy leader Fovea in the $65,000 Jacquinot First Crop 2YOs BM68 Handicap over 1100 metres.

This was the exact kind of showing Peter Snowden was keen to witness to confirm the colt's readiness for the $200,000 Listed Brian Crowley Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on October 24.

"He's won both starts his time in, a Super Maiden last start at Canterbury – that was a big win – and that was a good effort today with 60 kilos chasing a red-hot speed like that," said Snowden.

"He's done a great job. He's a talented horse. I think he's above Wednesday grade and I think there's a nice race coming up for him.

"Maybe the Brian Crowley. It's something I've had my eye on for a while for him and after watching today, I don't think he'll be out of place in a race like that."

Crescent King ($2.25fav) conceded Fovea about 10 lengths in the initial part of the race and was still six lengths behind the $3.20 second choice at the 300-metre mark. However, he finished with a strong surge under the guidance of Zac Lloyd to secure a decisive 2-1/2-length victory. Moscow Maid ($21) was a further 1-1/4 lengths behind in third.

Zac Lloyd, who has guided Crescent King to both his recent victories, indicated that an elevation in class is warranted.

"I thought today he'd be questionable at the 1100, because I think he's going to be better over the six, seven furlongs, and now that he's learning to relax it's going to help him," Lloyd explained.

"He's very bomb proof, this boy. He does everything right and will step up in some better races, I think."

With the Brian Crowley Stakes on the horizon, it's worth exploring the latest betting markets for the race.