Two ultra impressive performances this time in have the David Harrison trained Settle Strada well placed to notch up a hat-trick at Belmont on Saturday.
Set to line up in the Listed Belmont Newmarket this son of Strada has returned in fantastic order this time in and despite rising considerably in the weights he still rates as the hardest to beat.
Having resumed with an impressive performance to score in the Listed Beaufine Stakes two back Settle Strada would go on to prove that performance was no fluke with another impressive performance to salute in the H.G. Bolton Sprint last start.
Settling fourth in the run he took a while to balance up in the straight but when given full bore by Carbery he showed a great turn of foot to quickly pick up the leaders and score comfortably.
A fairly large horse in stature appears set to off-set the big weight on Saturday and if able to continue his progressive profile he simply should be too good for his rivals.
Adding to that the scratching of the Lindsey Smith trained Modello has further enhanced his chances and with better than even money available it seems a more than fair gamble as it appears that Dueton and Kalahaar are the only dangers.
While unable to salute the judge at his past three starts the Lindsey Smith trained Flying Time appears very well placed to break back into the winner's stall on the weekend.
Coming into the affair as the top rated galloper following his narrow fourth placing at this track last start the son of Heritage appears set to relish the step up to 1400m on Saturday.
Having placed at seven of his last nine starts he has proven ultra consistent this time in and with the aid of Mitchell Pateman's 2kg claim he is weighted to take plenty of beating.
Currently installed a 5-1 chance across the boards presents great value as we have him rated closer to a 2-1 chance and expect him to firm considerably come raceday.
While impressive when saluting at this track last start the Jim Taylor trained Uncle George does appear vulnerable at his current quote.
Having received the dream run in transit settling fourth one of the fence the son of Bletchingly Park showed a good turn of foot to sprint clear of his rivals and score comfortably.
However unlike his last start when he was lobbed in at the weights this weekend's affair appears a far tougher task conceding weight to both Rantorini and Classique Ivory.
While he has often proved a model of consistency and will no doubt be right around the mark still expect him to really struggle to notch up two wins on the trot as he is likely to be coming to the end of his campaign while other gallopers in the field begin to reach their peaks.
Currently installed a 5-2 chance appears well under the odds and more than happy to take him on.
BEST FROM THE WEST:
BANKER: Race 7 #4 SETTLE STRADA @ $2.20
PLAY OF THE DAY: Race 5 #3 FLYING TIME @ $6.00
LAY OF THE DAY: Race 2 #3 UNCLE GEORGE @ $3.50
