PROMISING pacer Official Art is expected to kick-start his campaign on a high when he heads to Globe Derby on Saturday night.
First-up since last March, Official Art is returning from a hairline fracture, with trainer Jonathon Kingston-Mayne confident the five-year-old is ready to make up for lost time.
Official Art won six of his last 10 starts, with three seconds also to his credit, before injury struck.
“He has really impressed me this time in,” Kingston-Mayne said. “As his records shows, he’s always had ability, but he’s just come back a lot stronger and quicker.
“I’m really impressed with him and believe he can go a fair way.”
Although the son of Art Official has drawn the inside of the second row, Kingston-Mayne feels bad luck is the only factor which can prevent the gelding from completing a triumphant return.
“Given the way he has trialled, it is hard seeing him beaten,” Kingston-Mayne said. “From the inside of the back he is at the mercy of the pole horse to a degree, but he is in top shape and ready to win.
“Bad luck is about the only reason I can see him being beaten.”
Positive Official Art can make a smooth transition through the grades, Kingston-Mayne has set his sights on an interstate campaign in coming months.
“I’m sure he can get down to metropolitan grade,” Kingston-Mayne said. “As he gets a little fitter with racing I will be looking at heading to Menangle with him for a suitable M0.”
