Seven horses, seven last-start winners. It's hard to knock the form - and the breeding for that matter - of any runner leading into tonight's $25,000 3yr-old Sires' Stakes heat at Forbury Park, so Matt Smith goes through the chances of each of the seven horses.
1) ART UNION ($2.20 opening odds)
A group 1 performer as a 2yr-old, the half-brother to Empyrean, Safedra and Diomedes returned from a spell in style a fortnight ago with a dominant 2-length win over All Cash at Addington. Has drawn well for many of his 10 starts and should be right in the fight whether he leads or takes a trail. Probably the one to beat, thanks to the barrier draw.
2) PULP FICTION ($5)
The son of Art Major has been smashing his unfortunate rivals in the lower grades in Southland in his three starts as a 3yr-old. The most impressive aspect of his wins has been his adaptability. After leading the field home over the last lap in his first two starts this time in, he swooped with 400m to go at Ascot Park on September 19 and looked equally as classy. This is his first big test this term, but he can handle it.
3) TAS MAN BROMAC ($8.50)
Followed up his stylish effort at Oamaru on September 14 with a tough effort to grind out a win just five days later at Ascot Park. He may have needed the run which led to his only defeat on September 7, and appears to be a pacer with plenty of strength. Nathan Williamson might not be afraid to put him to work during the race, if necessary.
4) ALTA RONALDO ($5)
''Finally'' picked up his first win at his sixth attempt last week - longer than average for an All Stars Stables youngster. But considering his placings are behind the likes of Follow The Stars and Itz Bettor To Win, a maiden win was never far away. His sectionals of 56.4sec for the last 800m and 27.8 for the last 400m in an overall mile rate of 1.57.1 at Addington suggests he can sustain high speeds for long distances and is a threat in this field.
5) SMITHY ($26)
Sure, he didn't beat a field of champions at Oamaru last month, but he did pace the 2000m in a 1.58.9 mile rate which is tidy enough - and then you add in the fact he was pulling a flat tyre for at least half the race. Perhaps his fitness levels will improve after this run tonight, but you might as well throw him in for your trifectas and First4 bets.
6) HAVE FAITH IN ME ($8.50)
This son of Bettor's Delight is beautifully bred, being out of the speedy mare Scuse Me. Had a brief but successful 2yr-old campaign before warming up for this assignment with a tough trial win in decent winds at Addington. Still learning, but very talented.
7) MIGHTY FLYING MAJOR ($6.50)
Had a tendency to be wayward in the straight as a juvenile, but a late-season trip to Alexandra Park seems to have ironed out the kinks and by all reports, the Art Major colt's workout at Methven on Saturday was very good. The widest barrier draw is not ideal but he overcame three wide draws in a row at Alexandra Park, so he can do it again.
