Second Division champions Queen of the South dented Forfar's play-off hopes with a comprehensive win at Station Park.
The Doonhamers were looking to avoid their first back-to-back defeats of the season after a midweek loss at Stenhousemuir, and went ahead after 30 minutes.
A good passing move ended up at the feet of Michael Paton, who fired the ball home from 12 yards out.
They doubled their lead when Paul Burns won the ball in midfield before feeding Derek Lyle, whose cross to the back post was tapped in by Nicholas Clark.
Two minutes later Clark added his second and the Doonhamers' third.
Burns was involved again as he set up the forward to score from the edge of the penalty area.
The win was wrapped up six minutes from time, when Derek Young played the ball through for the clinical Clark to complete his treble with his 29th goal of the season.
Another impressive display by a confident Queens side who seem to relish the artificial surface at Station Park. They now equal Gretna's points tally and there is a good chance of making history next week at Palmy against East Fife.
