Patinack Farm’s Metallurgical continues to improve with racing and is getting closer to that elusive first stakes success following a very game second place in last Saturday’s W J Healy Stakes (Gr 3) at Eagle Farm.

Well back to the home turn, Metallurgical came wide into the sprint and then let down powerfully, sprinting hard to make up several lengths and run to the lead, only to be run down in the final strides by Darley’s Pinwheel in the time of 1:09.67 for the 1200 metres.

A three-quarter brother to our own Group 1 winner Casino Prince, Metallurgical has shown terrific form since being gelded, winning two in succession at Eagle Farm and Doomben in April and May before finishing second in stakes races at his past two starts.

Trainer John Thompson says Metallurgical (4 g Redoute’s Choice – Lady Capel) could contest the $130,000 WHK Ramornie Handicap at Grafton on July 13.