Navy Pier returns primed to atone for disappointing debut
Navy Pier, a son of Divine Prophet in the David Atkins stable at Newcastle, returns for only his second start in a Maiden Handicap over 1400m.
Back in March, despite trialling well and surrounded by plenty of hype before his debut outing on the Beaumont track, Navy Pier was disappointing for his sole owner.
He was heavily backed from $5 into $2.90 that day, but drawn low on what quickly turned out to be inferior ground, was never comfortable on the heavy rating finishing five lengths from the winner.
But the form around that race was strong, although connections abruptly tipped Navy Pier out for another break, and more time to strengthen and mature.
He was given one easy trial in heavy ground four weeks ago, and connections have been deliberate and patient in waiting for the right race and distance on a drier surface.
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Although rain is forecast for the Mid North Coast later this week, Monday's rating should be about a good 4 or soft 5, and Navy Pier drew to get a cosy run with cover just off the speed. He opened around $3.80 in early betting and is set to challenge both resuming three-year-old Zainstar ($3.30), which hasn't raced for 11 months, and Epic Statement ($3.60), which is second-up, for ultimate favouritism.
Significantly, Navy Pier is Atkins' only runner on the eight-race program, after he scratched Rockbarton Max from the opening maiden after he drew the outside barrier, and promising three-year-old Expido opened a hot $1.45 favourite.
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