3 minute read

The fortunes of racing have been downright cruel in a double dose for accomplished regional trainer Gayna Williams and a win in Friday’s prestigious TAB Orange Gold Cup with performed gelding From The Bush ($5.50 into $5 on TAB) couldn’t be more deserved.

Or more warmly received amidst Gayna's Central West racing community at a booming seven-race TAB meeting where From The Bush by Poet's Voice, named with a mind for Banjo Patterson, contests the Southern Cross Austereo $75,000 Orange Cup (2100m) with 60.5kg for regular rider Grant Buckley.

They combine attempting a rare treble as From The Bush has won his home track Bathurst Cup and the Forbes Cup.

In a tremendous achievement, Gayna had qualified two runners for the $500,000 Newhaven Park Country Championships Final, star mare Zoo Station one of the favourites, and talented Tags.

They'd run the quinella in the regional qualifier at Mudgee.

However, an unmitigated disaster for Gayna and connections saw both scratched, Zoo Station with an elevated temperature just days before the Final, and Tags with an injured hind leg.

On Friday, From The Bush offers compelling form against more favoured contenders from the Baker, Portelli, and Hickman stables.

From The Bush has won six races from 18 starts, as many placings, was second at the Kensington Track and fourth at Warwick Farm after winning the Country Cups and a Royal Randwick Highway. Mostly with Buckley.

"Bad enough losing one but both, just unbelievable. Zoo Station is a quality mare, she'd have been real hard to beat," offered Buckley from his Hawkesbury base.

"Hopefully, we can bring something Gayna's way, but I wouldn't think it'd compensate.

"This big boy is so genuine, digs in for the fight, 110% every time and from the draw we'll be on-pace. The 2100m won't be a problem, neither will the 60.5 kilos.

"He's a huge powerful unit, used to weight and if we get any rain it'll be a bonus. His last run at Warwick Farm will have brought him on, caught wide and had a real tough run.

"He'll peak now, fourth run back."

Buckley is keen on the chances of the Howlett-trained Toto ($5) in the Remington Showcase Sprint (1000m).

"I've won on him, trialled him at Scone, went super and it was a big win at Wyong from last with 61kg, drops a stack. Hard to beat for sure."

At present Orange is a Soft 5 in fine weather.