A change in scenery has worked wonders for giant harness racing pacer Ultimate Art.
A recent decision from Kristy and Mick Formosa to send their stable star Ultimate Art north to Queensland is paying dividends following his recent open class thumping’s at Albion Park.
Now prepared by husband and wife combination of Scott Miller and Shannon Price, Ultimate Art recorded his latest victory last Saturday night after parking without cover in the 1660m event before scoring comfortably in a time of 1:53.0.
The big striding Modern Art entire was handled by Bart Cockburn.
“He’s a quality animal, there’s no doubt about that and his recent form shouldn’t shock anyone because we know he’s got class and fierce determination."
"It was a big call for Mick and Kirsty to send him up but everything is going well and hopefully he will hold his form for some time to come.” Miller said.
And connections are already starting to look ahead.
The Brisbane winter carnival in July is the immediate focus for Ultimate Art with the Sunshine Sprint and the Blacks A Fake being the major targets.
Dual Queensland Horse of the Year Avonnova is yet to reappear following his extended Perth campaign which resulted in the free-legged pacer running a monstrous fourth in the Inter Dominion Grand Final at Gloucester Park won by Lennytheshark; many now believe Ultimate Art could take the mantle as the state’s best pacer.
“The winter carnival is clearly our long range target with him but we’ll just take a race at a time for now and we’re thrilled with the way he settled in and performing."
"I know Bart is very happy with the way he’s finished off his past two starts and he’s come through both races really well."
“While Avonnova is still working back-up to race condition, I think this is great for his confidence and we’ll look forward to challenge when they finally meet down the track."
"I’m sure they’ll clash often when both are up and going but for the time being, we’re happy to see him doing what he’s doing."
“He wasn’t the best of travelers in the past and with based near Newcastle, it’s obviously a big round trip for him to race at Menangle and the fact we’re quite close to Albion Park is a big advantage for him."
He travels comfortably and heads straight for his feed tin once he’s unloaded on race night; it’s making a big difference with less time spent in the float.”
Miller said Ultimate Art will back-up and race again this Saturday night.
“We won’t overdo it with him but it’s a nice race for him and he’s come through last week really well so we’re happy to start him again."
“The aim is the winter carnival and we’ll continue to plot our path to those bigger races as they get closer.”
Ultimate Art was an Inter Dominion Grand Finalist in 2015 at TABCORP Park, Menangle when 7th behind Beautide.
Chris Barsby