Formal Display is heading for a short break before trainers Annabel and Rob Archibald start winding him up with their sights on the $3m Big Dance at Royal Randwick in November.
One of Australia’s most improved gallopers made it four wins from his past five starts in the Cactus Imaging Open Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.
“He’s just gone from strength to strength this preparation,” Rob Archibald said.
“He’s definitely the most improved horse in the stable and you could probably make a case to say the same in the state and country.
“I think being his second Australian campaign he’s acclimatised and it’s showing in his performances.”
Formal Display was luckless in his previous run when beaten for the only time this preparation in the Scone Cup, but luck was on his side this time, trailing the speed before putting the race to away in a few strides.
Formal Display ($3.20 fav) defeated God’s Window ($4.40) by three-quarters of a length with another two lengths back to Narbold ($4.80) in third.
The win extended the lead of the Archibalds apprentice Braith Nock to nine victories over the chasing Siena Grima, who was aboard God’s Window, in the race for Sydney apprentices’ title.
“I haven’t felt that confident on one for a while,” Nock said.
“At about the 600m I was starting to worry about getting a run and then shortly after that the gap came, I sent him into it, and while I got to the front early in the straight, he was full of running for me.
“He’s been a good horse to me this prep.”
Formal Display booked his place in the Big Dance when winning the Tamworth Cup three starts back and in the TAB’s all-in market, the imported galloper is the $8 second favourite behind dual Big Dance winner Gringotts at $3.50.
By Clinton Payne, Racenet.
Congratulations to Formal Display’s Triple Crown Team of owners: David Abel, Ian Abel, Lachlan Bell, Stuart Boman, Martin Chiu, Ben Elliott, Stephen Fanetti, Geoffrey Haggett, Donald Gibson, Steve Gilbert, Calvin Gook, Kim Henry, Lloyd Hick, Wendy Hick, Scott Latter, Kent Leicester, Samuel Manion, Gregg McDonald, John McEwan, Lindsay Miller, Stephen Niven, Rodney Powell, The S & K Collective.
