While he can prove a heart attack to watch in running the Stephen Browne trained Mr Utopia appears the best bet of the day at Belmont on Saturday.
Renowned for getting a long way back in his races the son of Elusive Quality has proved ultra impressive in his recent outings and comes into this off the back of an impressive win at this track last start.
Spotting the leader closer to eight lengths approaching the turn he showed a dazzling turn of foot to work home powerfully down the outside to deny Flying Time in the shadows of the post.
Continuing to show good improvement at each start this time in he will again look to raise the bar as he is set to face his toughest test to date.
While tougher in grade the fact is he remains one of few horses in the race still on upward spiral where as a majority of his opposition have already reached their respective marks.
More notably the step up to the mile appears set to help him reach a new career peak and if able to do so there aren't any horses in this field capable of beating him.
Currently rated an even money chance across the board does appear a bit skinny however Mr Utopia is more likely to win than lose and have him rated closer to a 9-10 chance and expect him to firm come race day.
The Brett Pope stable has enjoyed a recent run of success of late and unbeaten galloper Hans Up looks set to continue that run when lines up in the final race of the day.
Having made a very pleasing return at the mid-weeks last start the lightly raced four-year-old will be out to stretch his unbeaten record to five on Saturday.
Proving to have little trouble with the big weight last he appears very well placed dropping back in weight and although it appears a tougher race on paper he still rates on top and looks to have a clear edge on his rivals.
The poor draw appears the only obstacle in his way however given he has won both on-speed and when ridden cold expect Troy Turner to leave it up to how the race pans out as to where he settles in running.
Having opened close to 3-1 in early markets has seen him met with a stack of support with the best price on offer now at $2.90.
Though hard to dive in at that price knowing you could have got far better, take solace in the fact we have him rated an even money shot and have no concerns taking the price on offer.
Given the Simon Miller trained Grey Cheval will ensure the race is a run at a good solid tempo expect the cream to rise to the top and Hans Up should have little issue disposing of his rivals.
While she was impressive in winning last start I'm more than happy to take on Starlight Lady on Saturday as I feel she presents a poisoned price at her current quote.
Coming from last on the turn the daughter of Fantastic Light really stuck to her task well when denying Cyber Crime in the final few strides.
However in saying that I feel Saturday's race is a far tougher affair and given she has often proved inconsistent the idea of taking of $3.80 about her is very hard to swallow given she saluted at 20-1 last start.
On ratings Malaika, Operational, Cyber Crime and Rantorini all sit above her and given she will be spotting them all a start when making the turn home I doubt she will be able to round them up.
BEST FROM THE WEST:
BANKER: Race 2 #1 MR UTOPIA @ $2.00
PLAY OF THE DAY: Race 8 #8 HANS UP @ $2.90
LAY OF THE DAY: Race 4 #3 STARLIGHT LADY @ $3.80
