Moruya's Newhaven Park South East Country Championships on Sunday has attracted a deep set of acceptors with Goulburn trainers securing five main field chances and another four waiting in the wings over the next few days as emergencies.
Four of those main field five go into the race first-up and their fresh records make for pleasing reading, especially given the value on offer in the early doors TAB market on the race.
Here's a quick run-down on each:
Toretto (trained by Matt Dale): Most recent run was a beauty in the reliable form reference of the Moruya Cup over a similar trip. Given a freshen-up since and jockey come singer Robbie Dolan adds the falsetto to Toretto. TAB $21.
To The Nines (Tash Burleigh-pictured left): Did not put a foot wrong in four runs last preparation scoring a Highway Handicap win along the way. Runner-up in the same race last year and has earned good coin for canter in four previous first-up runs. Gets the Goulburn Cup-winning Guymer/Burleigh combination. TAB $26.
Devil's Triangle (Matt Dale): Has drawn 'Broulee Beach' for Jeff Penza but finished top four in city grade behind the in-form Dynamic Impact first-up. Super consistent type and as per his sire's name looks 'more than ready' for this. TAB $15.
Arnaqueur (Jean Dubois): Flies fresh with all three career wins coming when going from paddock to when produced. Has the whole field drawn inside him but was keeping good horses very honest late last year. An ounce of early luck and he's right in it. TAB $9.
Easy Rosie (Anthony Warren): Wide in the market but excels first-up (4:3-0-1). Proven in all types of going and lands a 'lob and look' draw with a light weight for racing's version of the Bulli Blaster, Brock Ryan. TAB $23.
No Goulburn-based trainer has won a Newhaven Park Country Championships Final.
However, strong recent results at home and away from the tablelands training hub (think multiple Highway Handicap wins since the start of the year for the likes of Scott Collings, Danielle Seib and Tash Burleigh) suggest they are on track to give the event a real shake this year.
Goulburn will host the inaugural Southern Wildcard Country Championships race in a fortnight's time on Friday 17th March.
