Flying Trial Has Ricciardo In Box Seat For Megastar

FLYING Ricciardo has rubber-stamped his standing as pre-post favourite for the Group 1 Dapto Megastar (520m) with a flying trial at the venue on Thursday night.

The star son of Barcia Bale and Megalodon carved out a sizzling 5.27 early and registered 16.85 to the second mark before stopping the clock in 29.47, just two lengths outside Fantastic Dotty's 29.34 track record.

The blistering trial saw bookmakers quick to firm the Group 2 Black Top winner in all-in betting markets, with some corporates offering as little as $2.50 about him annexing the $75,000-to-the-winner series already.

And on the strength of the eye-popping trial who could argue?

If the budding superstar progresses through to the finale he will do so just a few days on from his second birthday for owner-trainer Kristy Sultana.

Winner at 17 of his 21 starts with another three seconds, Flying Ricciardo's lightning quick ascension through the grades has been profound.

Such was the nature of Thursday night's trial it will likely see some trainers toying with a Megastar tilt next week now looking elsewhere.

Another trial performer to turn heads at Dapto on Thursday night was exceptionally gifted chaser Nangar Rust for Mick Hardman.

Last seen when finishing midfield at Sandown Park in May – a track he's trialled at in a sizzling 29.03 – Nangar Rust, a son of Bella Infrared, ran a scorching 29.42 in his return hit-out from injury.

Armed with a booming finish, Nangar Rust peeled off sections of 5.37 and 16.95 before posting a barnstorming run home of 12.47, the overall time just a length outside the track record.

Trainer Mick Hardman has given his prized charge ample time to return from a serious hock injury and on the strength of Thursday night's trial that time looks to have paid dividends.

Another tidy trial performer ahead of next Thursday's Dapto Megastar heats was Shetland, the TAB Million Dollar Chase consolation winner recording 29.87 at his first look at the Dapto circuit.