The step up to the mile appears set to play right into Nat King Cu's hands when he lines up in the Narooma Cup at Moruya this afternoon.
On the quick back up following a game performance at Canberra last start the Nick Olive trained galloper has been racing in good form this time in and only has to hold his form to be right in the finish.
While the judges box has eluded him of late his recent run of form has proven very solid and does see him well placed down in the weights.
Although failing at his only previous attempt at the mile it can be argued that he was at the end of his preparation and all indications this time in suggest it will suit.
From the gun draw expect Richard Bensley to position Nat King Cu just off the speed and prove too good in the run home.
WILD AND PROUD: Group 2 winner who has a class edge on these. Even effort last start to finish third over 1400m on the Kensington track when third up. Fitter now and suited out to this trip.
FULL HAND: Showed he was getting back to his best when nosed out over the mile at Wagga last start at his third run of the prep. Should be spot on for this and must be included.
RAMSAYS CURSE: Won a couple on the trot earlier this prep and has subsequently ventured to the metro tracks with limited success. Goes well here and carries weight well so not without some chance.
PIAZZA SAN PIETRO: Handy six-year-old who raced wide and didn't run on when last of nine first up over 1500m at Rosehill. Multiple city placegetter who is better over longer trips but could flash home without surprising.
THE CONQUEROR: Ran a bold race first up when second over 1400m at Canberra. On-pacer who goes well second up and has a fine record at this trip. Drawn well and has no weight so ticks a few boxes.
SEBONY: Ten-year-old with an amazing nine country cups in his trophy cabinet. Scored over the mile at Cooma two runs back then made late ground when fifth at Canberra last time out over 1400m. Place claims.
CELTIC SOUL: Has been freshened up since finishing a well beaten fourth over 2000m at Canberra recently. Queanbeyan Cup winner back in October who has a good record here. Not the roughest.
QUICHANG: Nine-year-old working his way into form. Overcame a poor start to find the line well and finish sixth over 1400m at Canberra last start. Fourth up today and gets to his pet trip for the first time this campaign.
OUR BILLY BLUE: Caught the eye when he charged home from the tail of the field to finish fifth here recently over 1425m. Suited at this trip and drops 7kgs. Place chance at odds.
NATCH CATCH: Struggling to find form this prep. Raced on the speed then wilted to finish next to last over 1600m at Wagga recently. Drawn poorly and a win would surprise.
DARCI'S MONEY: Form of late has been mediocre although largely in stronger races than this. Has never raced over this trip and has found a tough race to test the waters.
FLAMING STAR: Consistent four-year-old although not a prolific winner. Disappointed when unplaced here last start in an easier race. Down in the weights but may lack the class.
BIG RED CAT: Finished a narrow second to Sebony last start at Cooma, protesting unsuccessfully. Not up to this grade.
TO DUBAWI GO: Failed to make an impact first up at Canberra over 1400m. Staying mare who needs more ground.
SEANESSY: Beaten out of a place in an easier race at Kembla last start. Not one of the leading contenders.
Good luck and happy punting.
