The in-form Finke can land a top-end Triple Crown by winning today's Darwin Cup.
Finke is unbeaten since joining Gary Clarke's stable and heading north to race on the dirt at Alice Springs and Darwin.
He was far too good in the NT Guineas at Alice Springs before a short break before tackling the Darwin Carnival and since coming further north he has gone to another level, winning the Darwin Guineas in fast time before again out-pointing the Guineas runner up Abu Dhabi up to 2000m in the NT Derby.
Finke probably didn't prove any more from a form point of view in the Derby, he was a ruling favourite and the clear horse to beat on form, but what he did do was tick off the 2000m box. He stayed the trip well and the stage is now set for him to go on and add the Cup to his haul - he has the ratings to get the job done.
The big danger looks to be Our Valdivia who has relished the switch to the dirt since being switched north from Victoria. He has impressed in stringing three wins together and is well worth his place in the Cup.
The Metric Mile is the key local lead up for older horses and Our Valdivia won it well. The Darwin Cup represents another step up and a tougher challenge overall but he is expected to give the race a big shake.
Last years 1-2, Lightinthenite and Royal Request, are back for a rematch. The former was beaten as favourite in the Minister's Cup in his prep race but should be fitter for that. He will certainly need to be with the handicapper setting him a task, giving 7kgs and upwards to the field.
Royal Request found winning form last time and looks well set up on the back of that. He and Saturday Sorceress ran 1-2 over 1900m on the same day as the NT Derby and ran better relative time than the three-year-olds.
Tommy Berry comes north for the ride aboard Royal Request and will no doubt be keen to add the Darwin Cup to his ever growing C.V.
Finke may find Royal Request his biggest stumbling block but Finke is the fresh horse on the scene and it will be no surprise to see him celebrate his fourth birthday with a Triple Crown success.
