trial horse

American  

noun

Informal.

1. an opponent who performs against a superior foe in a workout or exhibition.

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Etymology

Origin of trial horse

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Then there’s Luis Ortiz, the crazy, dangerous Cuban veteran who makes his debut for Matchroom in Monte Carlo on 12 November against the Philadelphian trial horse Malik Scott.

From The Guardian

In 1967, the yacht Intrepid captured the Cup for the New York Yacht Club, and Mr. Chance was subsequently hired to design a so-called trial horse — a development boat to test design elements — for a French team that was preparing to challenge Intrepid in 1970.

From New York Times

He even went so far as to commission Britton Chance Jr. to design a new 12-meter to be used as a trial horse for the challenging French sloop.

From Time Magazine Archive

Old Sceptre was there too�as a trial horse, and a mighty worrisome one at that.

From Time Magazine Archive

Just seven miles away, off rocky Point Judith last week, the Aussie challenger was in action too�racing against her 23-year-old trial horse, Vim.

From Time Magazine Archive