3 minute read

The Adam Durrant trained Battle Torque was below his best last start, but prepared to forgive a good horse one bad run.

Adopting his customary position towards the rear, Battle Torque was unable to come into contention behind Prize Catch, however Pike notably legs back aboard (won 5/9) and he appears well placed back in this grade.

Prior to his last start failure, he notched up four straight wins and was simply airborne.

In 15 attempts over the mile he has won six including three minor placings and has placed in six of 11 attempts at Belmont.

His racing pattern is fairly one dimensional, however there appears decent enough speed engaged to allow him to work home into the finish.

Based on his victory two back he sits clear of his rivals and should prove very hard to hold out.

The Chris Gangemi trained Crystal Spirit gapped his rivals at this course and distance last start and appears well placed to notch up the hat-trick in the final event.

A new addition to the stable (formerly trained by Ellerton and Zhara), Crystal Spirit displayed good ability and couldn't have been more impressive in his two WA performances.

Returning a new peak last start, Gangemi has clearly done a great job with the son of Bel Esprit and he remains open to further improvement racing third up off a mini-break (53 days).

He obviously rises at the weights, but still appears well placed and has drawn to get a lovely run for Shaun O'Donnell.

When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Crystal Spirit sits atop and there looks to be more to come.

He looks a stand-out for all multiples and Quaddies.

Best From The West

BET OF THE DAY (1): Race 7 #1 Battle Torque @ $3.50

BET OF THE DAY (2): Race 8 #4 Crystal Spirit @ $1.80