3 minute read

The Leticia Dragon trained Surpass Natural created quite the impression on debut and appears well placed to go back to back on Friday night

Due to contest the eighth event, Surpass Natural lived up to his solid trial form when far too good leading throughout on debut.

Ridden by John Powell, Surpass Natural began fairly well from the inside draw, before mustering good-speed to rail through and take up the running.

Recording 24.01 seconds for the first 400m, Surpass Natural was certainly rolling and gradually increased his margin coming into the straight.

Displaying a good turn of speed, Surpass Natural quickly dropped his rivals inside the 300m, putting a good gap on them.

Fellow debutant River Radiance found the line well down the outside to run him to a length, but Surpass Natural was always in firm control.

Stopping the clock at 58.25 seconds, Surpass Natural was close to 4L faster than Class 3 winner Fulife King in race seven.

Adding to that his final 600m was also well inside that of Fulife King, with the quinella running the fastest closing splits of the meeting.

Always have to be a shade wary of 1000m form, however you won't see a more impressive debut.

Rated 75+ by Timeform, there certainly looks to be more to come and being by Elvstroem you would suspect he will get over further.

These thoughts were also echoed by Powell post-race.

"He's got ability, but he still doesn't know what he's doing," Powell said.

"There's more improvement to come out of him. The way he quickened, I think he'll be better over more ground."

Since been back to the trials he found the line well and should appreciate the step up to 1200m.

Getting onto the turf is some query, however he looks highly promising and happy to take the chance he will handle it.

The Steven Burridge trained Lim's Craft broke his maiden prior to a break and remains a big watch fresh.

Only lightly raced (three starts), his sole trial in the lead up was very good and with the aid of the claim, he looms as a major threat.

The Cliff Brown trained Gold Star drops back sharply in grade having contested the Group 1 Singapore Guineas [1600m] last start.

No disgraced on that occasion, he is more than capable on best form and with Rodd back aboard, he has to be respected racing on the fresh side (41 days).

Of the rest the Dan Meagher trained Elise appears the next in line.

Good luck and happy punting.