Topgun Crown In Sight For ‘Forgotten' Palawa King

OH how quickly they forget.

That was the sentiment of maestro Forbes trainer Jack Smith ahead of his Group 1 Topgun Stayers (730m) assault with powerhouse performer Palawa King at The Meadows on Saturday night. 

"He went up at $8 when markets first opened so I had to go out and check that he still had four legs," Smith quipped.

"They all seem to forget pretty quickly (throwing your writer into that group) and drop off you. 

FIELDS AND FORM THE MEADOWS SATURDAY NIGHT

"Hopefully he can get the job done on Saturday night and give everyone a nudge and remind them what he's capable of."

With two group 1 wins beside his name and more than half-a-million already banked in prizemoney, Palawa King, a son of Smith's former great Feral Franky, is unquestionably the sport's number 1 stayer.

The 21-time winner raced to victory in the Group 1 National Distance Championship at The Meadows in late August before Smith elected to have a crack at the Million Dollar Chase with his hugely versatile chaser.

"When you're racing over 700 you can't go in everything so we decided to bring him back in trip for the MDC," Smith said.

"In his semi-final he was only beaten two lengths and got crucified in the run but that happens when you race like he does.

"Then we went to Ipswich and that was a total disaster. He pulled up with a toe injury from that but hasn't missed any work really. He's good to go for Saturday night. Feeling great."

Unbeaten in three starts at The Meadows, including a group 1 victory, Smith is confident his powerhouse galloper is set for a gold first up showing.

And it would seem punters are beginning to agree with his absurd $8 opening price now cut to $4.80, still overs given his distinct class edge and body of work over the past six months.

"He's feeling great and we know he loves racing at The Meadows – he's unbeaten there," Smith said.

"It's a good field but it's hard to get a line on where the favourite is at (Like Wildfire) because we haven't seen him race lately.

"Zoha Bale has a great record at the track as well and Minnie's bitch (Zipping Vanessa) on her Sydney form would be right in it as well.

"I'm just hoping my bloke gets to the fence early and the runs open for him. If they do, he'll be right there."

Heading the market for Saturday night's $75,000-to-the-winner invitation is Like Wildfire at $3 ahead of Palawa King ($4.80) while Zoha Bale is at $5.

As well as Palawa King, NSW is represented by Sydney Cup winner Zipping Vanessa and runner-up to her in that race, Ritza Piper.