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Teenage apprentice jockey Molly Bourke can’t wait to again team up with Peyton Place in the $35,000 '000 Plumbing Showcase Ian Reid Sprint' 1200m at Wagga on Thursday.
The 18-year-old was eagerly awaiting the barrier draw and after Peyton Place ($7.50 on TAB) drew gate one she knew her task would be made that little bit easier.
Sunrise Ruby and Jawwaal, which are both due to race in Sydney on Wednesday, will be withdrawn while Galaxy Force has already been scratched.
Peyton Place's trainer Greg Stephens is keen to catch the attention of prospective slot holders for the $1.3 million The Kosciuszko (1200m) at Randwick on October 16.
Peyton Place has been a well-performed sprinter for his connections winning nine of his 35 starts – the latest with Molly Bourke in the saddle at Moruya with 1kg less weight than what he will carry on Thursday.
The galloper will still carry 62.5kg which is still higher than his main rival, Another One.
With the benefit of his first race start in 13 weeks, Peyton Place is race fit as Stephens starts to wind up his campaign for a potential tilt at The Kosciuszko.
It's the same story with race favourite Another One ($3) who is also being aimed at The Kosciuszko and will have his first start this campaign after a last-start second in the Country Championships Final at Randwick in April.
Wagga trainer Gary Colvin has four starters in the feature race which is named after the long-serving secretary of the Southern District Racing Association. The leading trainer at Wagga last season will also start the talented Forever Newyork ($26) who is also resuming.
Colvin will have four of the 12 starters with Mahsinger ($126) and Bravado Lass ($126) also resuming: "My four are ready to race again and I need to get a start into them for some upcoming races," Colvin said.
Peyton Place is a $101 chance for The Kosciuszko but can enhance his prospects of securing a potential slot by winning.
Bourke is excited to be back aboard the galloper who has earned $237,000 – the third highest in the sprint behind Ruthless Agent ($259,000) and Another One ($239,000).
"I was over the moon when he drew barrier one because it makes it a bit easier," Bourke said. "It was really a sit and steer job last start because the horse knows what to do and I think if he can lead again he will be hard to beat.
"He may have a bit more sprint in him than some of the others the way he went last start."
Bourke has ridden nine winners and will have five mounts on Thursday, but none more important to her career than in the feature race.
"It's the biggest race I have ridden in and I was very happy to get the ride again. It's a nice draw and it will make it a bit easier for him," she suggested. She will also ride Willybeafactor ($15) for her boss George Dimitropoulos and last start winner Zarsnip ($5) for Colvin.
Meanwhile, Lady Brook ($4) dead-heated for first at the most recent Wagga meeting and is another strong chance, while Banger is the value runner at $19. Banger ran second behind Peyton Place last start at his first start back from a spell.
Wagga trainer Chris Heywood will have dual representation with last start winner Underwood ($19) and the talented Blitzar ($10) which is also resuming from a spell.
