Racing: Reid rolls out new sensation

How would you like to back the Spring Cup winner from barrier one in a lowly maiden race?

That might not quite be possible but trainer Steven Reid is suggesting a similar scenario at Alexandra Park tonight.

Reid's stable is in outstanding form, with Monkey King and Baileys Dream scoring comeback wins in feature races last week - Baileys Dream coming with a crushing victory over Mi Muchacho in the Spring Cup.

While he is now heading to the New Zealand Cup, Reid has a horse he rates potentially as good, Montecito, lining up in race two tonight.

The three-year-old created a huge impression winning his first two starts last season before working hard to lead and dropping out in the Juvenile Championship in June.

Reid says on what Montecito did last season he could be as good as Baileys Dream one day.

"He reminds me a lot of Bailey because they were both immature at two but I actually think this horse may have more speed," offered Reid.

"He may not be as tough as Bailey at the same age but he is a real Derby horse regardless.

"He should lead for fun on Friday night and I'll be very disappointed if he doesn't win."

Reid is using the race as a stepping stone toward the Sires' Stakes Final at Addington on November 14, a race for which Bromac Maravu has already qualified.

Montecito could be the start of a training treble for Reid, with Man On Mars (race five) and Flaunting The Faith (race six) also big winning chances.

Man On Mars looked class winning his northern debut last season but soon suffered a setback which saw his form tail off.

"He is back to something like his best now and if it wasn't for his draw [nine] I'd like him a lot this week. I can see it being a race where he needs a lot of luck but he is well enough to win."

Flaunting The Faith will have the services of leading northern junior driver Jay Abernethy in race six and could need them as he proved a handful on occasions last season.

"If he puts his best foot forward he will go very close," said Reid.

Meanwhile, both Baileys Dream and Monkey King have come through last week's races well, with the former a chance to race at Cambridge next week.