3 minute read

Fox Beat will be lining up in the TAB Federal at Thoroughbred Park.

The ever-consistent Fox Beat was superb last start when second behind Holy Sunday in a Benchmark 65 at Thoroughbred Park. The Luke Pepper-trained galloper will drop from 2000m to 1600m when he lines up in the TAB Federal on Friday 23 October, on route to the Country Classic (2000m) at Rosehill in a fortnight's time.

The Country Classic, a $125,000 race, is restricted to country-trained horses and looks a great target for Fox Beat and Trainer Luke Pepper. "I didn't want him lugging a big weight in the lead up to his target, the Country Classic" Peppersaid. "He's in super order and we want him in top condition in two weeks when he runs there."

"I couldn't be happier with how he's going. The TAB Federal on Friday is a perfect lead up run for him, he loves running here at home."

The Biajag Construction Handicap (1200m) shapes as another highlight of the day with a fantastic field to line up. Keith Dryden's Wichita Warrior is first up after finishing last preparation with back-to-back wins. Likewise, Jamie Stewart's Akeed enters the contest looking for three victories on the trot.

Demonstrate was excellent when saluting in the Sky Racing Race Callers Cup (1000m) at Thoroughbred Park a fortnight ago and Trainer Garry Kirkup is confident his 8-year-old gelding is primed for another top performance. "Demonstrate has trained on really well since a fantastic run first up" Kirkup said. "He runs better when he's kept fresh so we haven't done a lot with him since his run."

"I'm hoping the rain comes early and the sting is taken out of the ground a bit but regardless of conditions I expect him to be right in the finish.

Racing begins tomorrow at Thoroughbred Park with the DZ Design Landscape and Constructions Handicap (2000m) which is due to jump at 1:18pm. The TAB Federal is Race 6 on the program and is scheduled for a 4:13pm start.