Formal Display Set for Group 3 Return

Ultra-progressive gelding FORMAL DISPLAY will launch his spring campaign at Randwick on Saturday when he contests a strong renewal of the Group 3 Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m).
 
One of the stable’s biggest improvers last preparation, FORMAL DISPLAY won four of his five starts and rapidly progressed through the grades. His only defeat came when narrowly third in the Listed Scone Cup, before he finished the campaign with another victory over 1600m at Randwick.
 
“He resumes in a strong edition of the Bill Ritchie, with Group 1 winners such as Headley Grange and Linebacker in the field,” Annabel said.
 
“He went up significantly in the ratings last preparation, so this is the first campaign he’s kicking off at this new level.
 
“He arguably should have won the Scone Cup if he had drawn a little better. He won all of his other starts last preparation and had genuine excuses at Scone.
 
“He’s definitely been the biggest improver in the stable and he’s heading towards The Big Dance as his grand final.
 
“Saturday is his starting point, but he goes very well fresh and, if he starts off where he left off, he can run a cheeky race.”
 
Braith Nock, who has been on board at three of his five Australian wins, takes the ride on FORMAL DISPLAY, carrying 54.5kg from barrier seven.
 
Purchased in partnership with Triple Crown from the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale, FORMAL DISPLAY has quickly developed into one of the stable's most exciting prospects.
 
The Bill Ritchie Handicap will be run as Race 5 at 2.10pm.