Better get used to the name Quartz Bale because you may be hearing it a lot.
The exhilarating youngster from Paul Stuart’s kennels, who has won his first six starts, takes another step towards what appears to be enviable stardom when he tackles city class opposition for the first time in the Showtime Grade 5 over 530m (Race 1) at Cannington on Saturday.
The freakish light fawn flash burst onto the scene last month when he reeled off wins in 30.31, 30.38 and 30.28 over the 530m journey in his first three starts.
While his next two victories were comparatively sluggish in 30.56 and 30.98 Quartz Bale reminded us of his exceptional talent with his brilliant 405m victory at Mandurah last start.
In what was his first look on the Peel region circuit Quartz Bale overcame a moderate start and quashed any possible threat from track specialist Guzby with a scorching effort.
Once he cleared from the pack Quartz Bale slingshot to a huge advantage and he motored to the finish line in a track record breaking 22.22.
Quartz Bale jumps from the pink this weekend but his wide draw shouldn’t be a problem.
The only grief he might encounter is if Four Paw Glory uses the rail to full effect and can entrench himself in the lead position but even then Quartz Bale is going to be hard to hold out.
She took a couple of starts to get back to peak condition following a lengthy injury enforced layoff but Takahashi">Takahashi returned to form in grand style last weekend and she could be set for a reprise performance in the Tabtouch Grade 5 over 530m (Grade 5).
The Ben Abercrombie-trained black bitch ripped out a personal best run of 30.24 over this distance last start to record her first win in nearly six months.
The degree of difficult is higher this week with the in-form and fast starting Downlight drawn in the pole while the likes of Living Proof and Burundi are more than capable on their night but if Takahashi brings her ‘A’ game she’ll be hard to hold out.
Last week's Group 2 All Stars Sprint winner Coconut Grove starts from box two in race four.
For Cannington Saturday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
Best Bet: Quartz Bale (Race 1)
Best Value: Proven Will (Race 4)
Quaddie: Race 5 – 1, 3
Race 6 – 1, 2, 3, 4
Race 7 – 1, 2
Race 8 – 1, 2, 8
$20 for 41.66%
