Step up for exciting youngster

EXCITING youngster Ultimate Miki will face his first big test this weekend.

Unbeaten from five starts this season, Ultimate Miki has been taken south by trainer Michael Brennan to compete at Club Menangle tomorrow night.

Fresh from his success in Redcliffe last week, the son of Always B Miki is engaged in a Carousel heat, which will pit him against a quality field of older opponents.

Aware of the arduous task awaiting the three-year-old, Brennan is confident Ultimate Miki will make his presence felt.

"This will certainly be a test for him," Brennan said. "That said, I have no doubt he is up to the task.

"We certainly couldn't have asked more from him, and he continues to improve, so this will be a good guide to see where he is at."

To be driven by Luke McCarthy, Ultimate Miki has drawn barrier five over 2300 metres, but slots into four with the removal of the emergency.

"We knew he would draw around there, it's just a starting point," Brennan said. "The 2300-metre trip will suit him and he's got plenty of time to get into the race.

"One of the things I really like about him is he is versatile.

"He has led, won from the breeze and come three-wide, so Luke has options with him."