Three-pronged attack by Formosa on Sapling Memorial

Ellalong harness racing trainer Michael Formosa has a proven record for being able to put the polish on juvenile pacers.

A part-time breeder and regular buyer of yearlings and young horses, Formosa enjoyed a wonderful ride when he got his hands on former star colt Ultimate Art (Modern Art) who amongst his plethora of wins took out the 2012 Gold Crown in his initial season of racing.

Ultimate Art went on to be one of the best horses of his age group before graduating to open class, performing well on the grand circuit which included a win in a heat of the 2015 Inter Dominion.

Now Formosa is potentially experiencing a touch of déjà vu, with early signs that his two-year-old Ultimate Cruza may very well be a future topliner.

The colt will start as favourite in tonight’s $20,000 Tommy Reay Sapling Memorial final at Newcastle following his impressive win in a qualifying heat ten days ago when he led and rated 1.56.4 on debut.

Formosa was wrapped in Ultimate Cruza’s first-up effort and is hoping that he can continue to rise to the occasion for what is planned for the youngster’s racing future.

“He is a lovely colt, and I have always had a feeling that he was full of potential. So, it was pleasing for me that he showed that promise on the racetrack,” said Formosa.

“We had not fully tested him at home or in his preparation trials, in fact it was the first time I had ever pulled the ear plugs on him and he reacted beautifully to that and ran a slick time on a heavy track.

“Bathurst has been our aim with him from day one, but first things first. We need to get through tonight and gauge where he is at from there.”

Formosa has qualified another two for tonight’s feature, including the colt Ultimate Empire who will be driven by his daughter Chloe and Syncopated Shuffle, a filly that will start from barrier five for in-form, driver Grace Panella.

“I am also pleased with how both of my other two-year-olds are shaping, they are very nice horses,” said Formosa.

“Syncopated Shuffle is just starting to come into her own, while Ultimate Empire will certainly be one to watch as the season progresses.”

The Rickie Alchin-trained Soho Gunslinger was the other heat winner and poses as a real threat to Formosa’s trio.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW