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Ra Ikane looks poised to make it three from three at Fannie Bay racecourse when he contests the Colemans Printing Cup at Darwin today.
Photo by Racing and Sports
The ex Victorian galloper has settled in well to his new surrounds having won both starts at Fannie Bay in most encouraging fashion.
Ra Ikane now rises in both class and trip to contest the Colemans Printing Cup (1300m).
It is hard to fault Ra Ikane's latest form who last start strode away for a solid three length win at this track over 1200m.
The Invincible Spirit gelding after jumping from an inside barrier was able to box seat throughout.
Upon straightening, it took a while until the four-year-old fully let down but once he did at around the 200m, Ra Ikane wasted no time in collaring the early leader on his way to a second straight success.
The Louis Paech-trained galloper looks well suited in this affair to claim a third straight win.
Ra Ikane once again has drawn well which should allow regular jockey Carl Spry to position the four-year-old just behind the early leaders once again.
Also in his favour is the step up to 1300m which should suit the gelding who based on last start will appreciate the extra 100m on offer.
Third up, Ra Ikane can improve further upon the Timeform figure of 82 he ran to last start.
A strong case could be made Ra Ikane would only have to match that figure to be winning again here.
On 50 Day Timeform figures Ra Ikane rates five pounds above his nearest rival in that category who meets him today 1.5kg worse at the weights.
While all logic points to Ra Ikane in this affair, there are a few runners who can at least pose some sort of challenge.
Samalidan finds himself in an easier race than what he contested last start where he recorded a respectable fourth at this track over a mile on July 18 behind Sheahan.
The form out of the race has since held up well with Sheahan winning the Metric Mile last Saturday while Igles Star was dominant at the same meeting when saluting by three lengths.
Faster Stronger is capable of producing far better than what he did upon resuming when sixth at this track, class and trip 18 days ago.
The Stephen Brown-trained galloper has a great record at this track and you only need to look at the end of Faster Stronger's last campaign to see what he can do.
It may also pay to keep in mind Pelican Head after he ran second at this track, class and trip last start while Alpha Gold appears much better suited dropping back from the mile to 1300m.
