Mar has the Wood on them!

It was thought that Marwood could not have been more impressive when saluting by 4 3/4 lengths at his Seymour debut three weeks ago - but that was premature, the exciting three-year-old creating an even better impression winning at Bendigo on Sunday.

Rising in both class and distance, the handsome bay (pictured as a yearling) travelled beautifully just off the pace for Nicholas Hall - joining in at the 200m and racing away to win by another wide margin; 4 1/2 lengths this time.

"Today he proved he is the real deal," Hall said.

"He will definitely be competitive this spring," he added and - when asked how Marwood compares to other classy youngsters he has ridden, he said "he is definitely up there."

Stable representative Matt Hoysted was excited to be on course to witness the beginnings of something special.

"It would be nice if they were all that easy!" he laughed, looking forward to the challenge of Marwood rising further in class.

"He will head to the Guineas Prelude in three weeks' time," he said - "and we will see how he can step up."

Should Marwood race well in that event, the Group One Caulfield Guineas - a race in which he is now quoted at just 20-1 - would be next on the spring agenda.

Having such a promising horse in the stable is always exciting but all the more so in Marwood's case as his dam - the Group One winner Pernod - was also a Ballymore horse.