3 minute read
Mr Individual drops in class on Wednesday where he appears hard to beat in the 3YO Benchmark 64 Handicap at Pakenham.
The Starspangledbanner colt commenced his latest campaign with a tilt at the Group 3 McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
It was a solid enough effort against some smart opposition, finishing seventh, beaten less than three lengths.
He will have taken benefit from the outing and now drops in grade to the Polytrack Benchmark 64 3YO Handicap (1200m) at Pakenham.
Race 2 at Pakenham has the potential to be a strong form race moving forward with a number of the runners possessing last start wins and plenty of upside.
Mr Individual still shapes as the one to beat though based on his two career showings to date.
The colt recorded an impressive Timeform rating of 92 when winning on debut before resuming in the McNeil and returning a figure of 94 in the process.
These displays have him sitting highly amongst this field and there is every chance he can build upon them at career start three.
A number of gear changes such as blinkers replacing a noseroll have the potential to spark the colt and may also result in Mr Individual settling more prominently.
Faatinah shapes as a main danger after a smart debut win over 1100m at Geelong.
The gelding was prominent throughout on that occasion and expect to see something similar here.
While underwhelming first up at Sandown, Andrioli is capable of better as evidenced by the runs she produced during a three start maiden campaign.
The filly was a smart maiden winner over 1200m at Sandown last campaign before holding her own against subsequent Group 1 winner Pasadena Girl in the Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes down the Flemington Straight Six.
Mr Optimistic resumes after a strong four start maiden preparation across Victoria and Queensland.
The campaign culminated with a closing third in the Bruce McLachlan Memorial Classic (1200m).
With some maturity and experience under his belt, watch for a forward showing fresh.
In a high quality Benchmark 64 3YO Handicap (1200m) early in the program at Pakenham, it is Mr Individual dropping in grade who shapes as the hardest to beat.
