Race 4 – Koobah Performance Horses Ctry Boosted Class 1 Hcp (1000m)
2. Beaumista ($5.50)
Handy gelding who’s still green but heading the right way. Broke through in solid style at Dubbo in June then trialled neatly since. Handles all surfaces and has a win and a second from three goes at the trip. Awkward gate, but if Penza can find cover, he’s in the mix.
3. Bravaro ($5.50)
Lightly raced mare from a sharp local yard and has never missed the quinella in three career starts. Won over 1300m but sharp enough for this after two soft trials. Looks to park just off the speed with the claim a bonus. Danger.
5. Bally Isle ($10.00)
Bit of a smokey here. Keeps whacking away in similar grade, and her front-running style makes her a nuisance to run down. Draws barrier 1 and sticks with Buckley. Can pinch it if they hand her the lead and she sneaks a breather.
Rusty’s Take:
Bravaro ($5.50) gets the nod on upside and the local edge. Beaumista ($5.50) is the honest threat, and Bally Isle ($10.00) is your tempo-dependent roughie.
Race 5 – Tamworth City Toyota Ctry Boosted Maiden Plate (1000m)
2. Reigning Captain ($13.00)
Has burned a few punters before but showed a bit when leading at Moree and sticking on for third. Blinkers and tongue tie go on, and he’s back on his home deck. Drawn well and could catch a few napping if he’s let roll.
3. Straight South ($3.60)
Didn’t set the world alight on debut but the run wasn’t hopeless. Trialled fair enough prior and now gets a senior hoop and rails draw. Could jump better second-up and looks to have some improvement.
6. Fake ($6.00)
Veteran maiden but pops up enough to stay on the radar. Three minors from 11 tries at the trip says she’s always around it. Fresh enough, drops weight, and if they go silly up front, she’ll be the one ducking through late.
Rusty’s Take:
Straight South ($3.60) is lightly raced and has a touch of unknown upside. Reigning Captain ($13.00) has burnt punters but maps to lead and the gear changes scream “last chance.” Fake ($6.00) is the eternal bridesmaid who just might break through.
Race 8 – McDonald’s Tamworth Benchmark 82 Hcp (1000m)
1. Mystery Lad ($9.50)
Wily old veteran who’s been bouncing between strong regional sprints. Loves Tamworth (4 wins, 5 seconds here), and two recent runs have been tidy enough. Big weight the query, but he’s been up forever and still kicking.
7. Super Sioux ($7.00)
Honest as they come and in a purple patch with three wins from her last four. Maps for the ideal run just off the leaders with the 2kg claim. Loves the track, loves the trip, and has the figures to win again.
8. Speck ($3.20)
Talented mare with a 4-from-8 record at the trip. Beat a handy field in a Highway back in March and hasn’t disgraced herself since. Draws well, gets Buckley, and drops in grade here. Clearly the one to beat.
Rusty’s Take:
Speck ($3.20) is the class mare and gets every chance. Super Sioux ($7.00) won’t lie down and loves Tamworth, while Mystery Lad ($9.50) is the old warhorse who pops up when you least expect.
Rusty’s Final Word
Best Bet: Speck (Race 8) – $3.20
Best Each Way: Bravaro (Race 4) – $5.50
Best Value: Reigning Captain (Race 5) – $13.00
