Hunter Valley trainer Michael Formosa has made one of the hardest decisions of his career by sending Inter Dominion heat winner and family pet Ultimate Art to trainer Shannon Price in Queensland. With the Miracle Mile qualifiers to be run next weekend, Formosa was unsure whether ‘Thomas’ would get a run in either of the events and sent him north earlier this week.
Formosa is hoping a change in scenery will help Ultimate Art find his best form and a much needed victory to help the horse’s confidence.
“It was a really tough decision, Kirsty (wife) wasn’t very happy when I made it but it is definitely in the best interests of the horse,” Formosa said.
“Thomas has only ever known my property and I think the change will do him the world of good and should really freshen him up mentally.
“I assured Kirsty and the kids that he would always have a home at the end of his career here and if he does find some of his old form then there is no reason we can’t get Shannon and Scott to send him back.”
Ultimate Art has been racing against tough opposition since winning his first race at metropolitan level and hopes the opposition in Queensland will allow him to be driven more aggressively.
“He has got gate speed and he can make a move during a race if he has to, but when you are racing horses like Beautide it just becomes impossible to get into the race. So while the opposition in Brisbane is no pushover I think his versatility will be a big factor for him.
This time a year ago Formosa was planning an Inter Dominion assault with Ultimate Art and when he upstaged his rivals in a strong heat in Sydney he attracted media interest from Channel Nine.
Since resuming he has had two runs back from a spell and has been beaten on average more than 20 metres.
Formosa confirmed connections of new stable acquisition Montana Falcon are hoping a change of scenery will reinvigorate the gelding.
“Montana Falcon only arrived at my place a couple of days before his first run at Menangle and I was pretty happy with how he performed.
“He has drawn better this week and has settled in really well so I’m hoping he can run an even better race.”
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