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Ken Casellas | Photo: Gloucester Park Harness Racing

Six-year-old Vespa lined up for his tenth start in the space of nine weeks in his current campaign when he began from barrier four and a hot $1.40 favourite in the 2130m Hoist Torque Solutions Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.

And the New Zealand-bred Mach Three gelding described by his trainer Michael Young as a “little warrior” added further lustre to his standing as an iron horse by scoring an effortless victory.

Emily Suvaljko wisely did not bustle Vespa in the early stages, and the gelding settled down in fourth position before she urged him forward to take the lead after 450m. “Vespa is not a horse who likes the breeze, so I delayed my challenge for the lead until I was sure I would get to the front,” she said.

This completed a treble for Young, after early wins with Nevermindthechaos and Doc Holliday, and it brought up three wins in successive events for Suvaljko, who had scored with Doc Holliday and Twobob Cracker.

It was a notable moment for the 33-year-old Young, giving him his first training treble at a metropolitan meeting.

“We have had Vespa for a bit over a year, and he has a great constitution and just races all the time,” said Young.

In 13 months of racing in Western Australia Vespa has had 43 starts for eight wins and 13 placings, improving his career record to 74 starts for 12 wins, 17 placings and $160,795. He is the eighth foal out of the In The Pocket mare Gemside, who raced 39 times for two wins, 11 placings and $19,719.