Well bred mare Dark Delight appears very well placed to notch up her third straight career victory when she steps out in the fifth race at Belmont this weekend.
After making a big impression on debut when flashing home late over 1000m the daughter of Flying Spur has since proven ultra impressive at her next two starts disposing of her rivals with considerable ease.
A half sister to the Group 1 placed Crown Prosecutor, Dark Delight will continue to improve as she gets out over the middle distances however her ability to reel off a quick closing sectional has been ultra impressive and this Saturday's affair doesn't appear to be a step up for her.
Lining up against a fairly limited bunch she currently rates on top and with the scope for further improvement it is clear she has a distinct edge on her rivals.
Currently rated an even money shot across the boards appears a more than fair gamble as we have her rated closer to a $1.60 chance.
Adding to that with the aid of Chris Parnham's claim Dark Delight will only be asked to carry the minimum and really can't see anything upstaging her on Saturday and she is the clear stand-out for the first leg of the quaddie.
While the market has the fourth race as a fairly open affair on ratings it is clear Mr Utopia is the standout selection.
Set an impossible task at this track last start when spotting the leader close to 10 lengths approaching the turn the son of Elusive Quality proved very game in defeat when flashing late to only be denied a nose behind the talented Express Service.
Recording one of the quickest closing sectionals of the day the drop back to 1300m proved the difference between winning and losing as he simply ran out of straight as he was well in front past the post.
Stepping back up to seven furlongs appears ideal and he looks very well placed racing against his own age.
While it can be argued Saturday's field contains a number of other progressive types the fact is no other galloper has recorded time figures anywhere near Mr Utopia and since connections have elected to ride him cold he has proven a different horse.
The best price on offer across the boards is 6-4 and while again this might seem short, considering he went round as an odds-on chance in tougher company last start I find it hard to believe that he won't start shorter on race day.
On raw ratings he sits six pounds clear of both The Millionaire and Flying Time, the two gallopers the market have identified as his main rivals so on that front alone he appears a very good betting proposition.
Was happy to take him on first up and willing to do so again on Saturday given the short quote for the Michael Lane trained Not A Single Drop.
While he was unsuited over the shorter journey first up his effort last start at the mile was very disappointing when beaten 7L at this track.
Having pulled up with no abnormalities it's hard to understand how punters can dive in at the short quote of 5-2 on Saturday in a race with a number of leading chances.
No denying his a galloper with plenty of talent having defeated Passion Cantata and finished a close second to Rebelson prior to a spell however he is yet to reach anywhere near those heights this time in with his most recent performance rated 21 pounds short of his best.
While it is obvious he is capable of better and early money suggest he may well do so on Saturday however given what we have already seen he appears a worthy risk.
BEST FROM THE WEST:
BANKER: Race 5 #7 DARK DELIGHT @ $2
PLAY OF THE DAY: Race 4 #4 MR UTOPIA @ $2.50
LAY OF THE DAY: Race 6 #12 NOT A SINGLE DROP @ $3.50
