The unbeaten record of Almighty Class and the form he’s had in October has Mitchell Pateman believing he is a strong contender to take out the Group 3 Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m) at Ascot on Saturday.
Pateman reached for the stars last campaign and although he came up empty handed with Almighty Class falling short against hot competition in the $5 million The Quokka (1200m), he says the gelding has shown enough this campaign for another crack at feature racing.
Racing for the first time since being outclassed in The Quokka last April, Almighty Class has made a low key, albeit an outstanding return to racing with sizzling back-to-back victories that backs up Pateman’s theory he has a talented and exciting horse on his hands.
After the letdown of The Quokka, Pateman is excited to have Almighty Class close to his peak and in a position to have another crack at winning a major race.
“He’s back to the deep end on Saturday.” Pateman said on Tabradio.
“I couldn’t be happier with the way he’s going.
“He’s improved with each run and is in a good place.
“I expect him to run a big race and he’s ticked all the right boxes.
“He looks a million dollars, he couldn’t look any better.
“He’s probably the best he’s ever looked.
“Excited to see him in that company before the Winterbottom.
“As long as he gets into a good rhythm he’ll be right in the finish.”
Almighty Class, with Holly Watson aboard, jumps from barrier nine.
At $4.00 and second favourite, he’s the one punters want after Western Empire, the $2.60 market leader. Rope Them In, the only other runner in single figures ($8).
Meanwhile, stable mate, Mojo Rhythm, is ranked an outside chance to claim his second straight Group 3 RJ Peters (1500m) after defeating Melbourne Group 2 winner, Alsephina in a surprise result a year back.
Pateman says Mojo Rhythm is reaching peak fitness and another shock stakes win would not surprise him, but he does admit drawing barrier three in the Peters is a blow and major luck is required.
“It doesn’t really suit him; he needs room and every race I won on him he’s come down the outside,” Pateman said.
“Similar set up to last year, he’s third up, probably peaking fitness wise.
“I couldn’t be happier how the horse is going; he just needs an ounce of luck.
“I honestly believe he can win again if he gets that luck.”
Mojo Rhythm is a $23 chance to win the Peters again.
Luvnwar the $3.30 favourite.