Al Dhafra has shown enough in two runs this campaign to suggest he will be hard to beat in the Sky Racing Nowra Cup (1600m) today.
The seven-year-old gelding scored a win in a handy race when resuming at Moruya before being far from disgraced in the Group 3 Bill Ritchie Handicap at Randwick last start behind Boban.
Well up in the weights for this, Al Dhafra gets a much needed 2kg claim from apprentice jockey Koby Jennings and will now carry 61.5kg.
From barrier 11, the son on Fusaichi Pegasus is likely to get back in the run but will be hitting the line strongly, having won both previous starts over the mile.
The Terry Robinson-trained runner has won third up previously and looks very hard to go past here on what he has produced of late.
World Wide also finds himself in easier company for this after he was beaten 4.7L in the Group 3 Hawkesbury Gold Cup last stat. Has since had a freshen up and barrier trial win at Kembla Grange leading into this.
The Bede Murray-trained runner is rarely far away and tends to run well over the 1600m trip and is likely to be fighting out the finish here.
Despite the moderate record at the trip Ramsays Curse also rates a mention in this. Went close when third two starts back before scoring a win in the Tony Campbell Memorial Cup at Canberra last start.
Best form rates well in this and he is worth plenty of consideration here.
Outside of these there appears to be a handful of each way chances including Via Facile who has not been far away of late. Narrowly beaten by Ramsays Curse at Canberra last start.
The six-year-old gelding meets Ramsays Curse better at the weights for this and is sure to be somewhere in the mix.
Sailor’s Farewell and Too Hi Tek also stay under notice on best form and both have drawn to get all the favours.
