3 minute read

The Leticia Dragon trained Surpass Natural brought up his fifth straight win on Friday night and is clearly a horse to follow.

Most impressive in his first three starts, Surpass Natural made the rise to Class 3 with consummate ease two back, before again proving too good on Friday night.

While a dominant display in lead up, Surpass Natural was dropping back to 1100m and up 2kg.

Beginning well from the wide draw (8/12), Surpass Natural pressed on to settle outside the lead under regular rider John Powell.

Eye-balling Kiss Your Song into the straight, Surpass Natural took over inside 300m with the Cliff Brown trained Ararat Lady looming large.

Given full-bore by Powell, Surpass Natural found another gear and was able to fend off the challenge of Ararat Lady, drawing away to score by a length.

Rated 84 by Timeform in the lead up, Surpass Natural improved three pounds and more importantly returned his strongest performance against the clock.

By our count he ran nine pounds faster than his previous best and there looks to be more to come.

One of the better maiden winners you'll see, Surpass Natural was rated 75+ by Timeform and he's certainly used that '+' to his full advantage.

Untouchable on the polytrack, Surpass Natural gives the impression he will be even better over further and being by Elvstroem, it's hard to argue.

Finishing fast over 1100m, he will now likely line up in Class 2 company over 1200m.

Another test for the four-year-old, however if able to continue his upward spiral, he is sure to take plenty of beating.

Improving with racing, Dragon did trial Surpass Natural in the blinkers back in August, but has kept them up the sleeve to this point, though Powell felt it will only be a matter of time.

"He's won up to 1200m, but he's heading up towards 1400m," Powell said.

"I still believe he will be better with blinkers on. He was waiting for Ararat Lady tonight, but he dug deep.

"He's either better off chasing or when something comes at him, then he fights back."