3 minute read
The Adam Durrant trained Miki Two Toes showed sharp improvement last start and appears set to peak in the seventh event at Belmont on Saturday.
Caught wide first up, the son of Patronize failed to come into contention, in what was his last start for his previous stable (A M King).
Joining Adam Durrant's team in mid-July, Miki Two Toes recorded a new career peak last start when finishing third at this track.
Beaten only half a length, his performance held plenty of merit, and is expected to springboard off that mark on Saturday.
Leading trainer Adam Durrant began this new season, following his most successful (2013/14), when recording an overall strike rate of 23%.
He trained over 100 winners and at Belmont, Durrant had a strike rate of 26% and notably ran at a POT of +11.2%.
The start to this season, has proven little change for Durrant, collecting six winners from 38 starts.
With a further ten minor placings, the Lark Hill based trainer has continued his dominance of the West.
Durrant was striking at 27% with horses racing third up last season, and Miki Two Toes appears on track to continue that impressive trend.
In-form apprentice Joseph Azzopardi sticks aboard and is expected to take up a forward position from the awkward draw.
Miki Two Toes is currently installed a 5-2 chance which appears more than fair, given we have him installed a 7-4 chance.
In a race which doesn't appear to have a lot of depth, Miki Two Toes appears a strong winning hope.
Going out on a limb in the fifth event, electing to give the Fred Kersley trained Northpace one more chance.
His performance two back was very good, before disappointing here last start when he didn't have a lot of luck.
Beaten less than two lengths two back, the son of Cape North appeared to be back on track and hoping he can bring his 'A' game on Saturday.
On career best form he has an absolute lap on these, but is 420 days between wins.
Nonetheless, he has placed in five of eight attempts at Belmont and at his current quote of 14-1, it does appear a worthy throw at the stumps.
BET OF THE DAY: Race 7 #1 Miki Two Toes @ $3.50
EACH-WAY PLAY: Race 5 #6 Northpace @ $15.00