3 minute read
An in-depth look at every runner in the $150,000 Newhaven Park Central Districts Country Championships (1400m) at Mudgee on Sunday.
1. Island Press (Dean Mirfin, Bathurst): If this race were run in a straight line then you'd safely say this gelding would be a clear favourite. However, he has the outside gate to contend with and a reasonable amount of pressure underneath him. Generally, he races right on speed, if not leads, in his races but perhaps seeing him come from off the speed to win his trial two weeks ago can give those who fancy him some comfort that he can adapt. This is a big class drop for him and should still be hard to beat with a little bit of luck.
2. Amicus Curiae (Mack Griffith, Mudgee): Has contested the past two editions of this race, running eighth on both occasions and only beaten two lengths last year. Both runs back have had merit, a solid fourth at Gosford coming from well back and a second in the Preview at Bathurst where he probably hit the lead just outside the 100m before the winner sprinted along the rails. He has won third-up in two of his last three preps so this has been a target but he will also need plenty of luck from the barrier.
3. Blow Dart (Brett Thompson, Gulgong): Brings plenty of Highway and metropolitan form into the race. Went with them over 1000m first-up at Warwick Farm and while he faded late he wasn't beaten far. The obvious queries involve the 1400m. Can he jump 400m second-up to a trip he's never contested previously? He's only been beyond 1200m once and that was in a two-year-old open almost two years ago at Rosehill and he finished last. He also hasn't won since October 2021. If he can run out the trip he has a case but appears a false favourite.
4. De Forerunner (Dean Mirfin, Bathurst): In-form up and comer who is hard fit and appears set up well to run a big race. Led and smashed a Benchmark 58 field over this trip at Bathurst in January but dropped to 1200m and couldn't find the lead but he wasn't disgraced running third in the Preview. Aided by a kind draw he should find a spot somewhere near the speed and get his chance. Hard to beat.
5. Power Bank (Paul Theobald, Bathurst): Sprung to form in the early spring with three straight wins and was logically put away with a Championships shot in mind. Not bad first-up in open company at Orange before heading to a 1200m Highway where he just boxed away at Randwick two weeks ago. Wonder whether this has come a bit too soon for him but if he can regain the form he was in prior to his break it wouldn't shock to see him be competitive.
6. Astrolith (Dean Mirfin, Bathurst): Seemed to be tracking well for this race with a solid second-up win at Orange in early January but the wheels fell off at Randwick in a Highway last time out. Enjoyed a nice enough run handy to the speed and just went backwards from the time they straightened. Nothing reported post-race so it's all a bit of a mystery. He'll roll forward somewhere in the first half and if you can be forgiving of the Highway failure he's an each-way chance.
7. How's It Kev (Alison Smith, Orange): Ran fourth in this race last year and was given a call up for the Final when injury took down a couple in front of him. He ran a respectable fifth behind Another One in that Final. Nice performance under a big weight second-up at his home track then went to a Highway at Rosehill and held his ground okay to be beaten just over two lengths. The draw is huge for him, he should settle just behind them and gain a nice run. He's rightly in the market as a contender.
8. Possibly So (Andrew Ryan, Bathurst): You had to like the way he finished off at the 1400m to win second-up at Orange. He won in similar circumstances fresh at Bathurst and you'd have to forgive his run in the Preview there a couple of weeks ago. Just the drop in distance against him and he couldn't keep up early after missing the start. He's one that the barrier draw doesn't impact as he'll get back anyway and if they overdo it, which is possible, he could swoop into the money.
9. Extra Flash (Brett Thompson, Gulgong): Honest performer on trial at the 1400m but did give some sign that he'll be okay when a closing second at Muswellbrook last start at 1280m, his first try beyond 1100m. Barrier one will help him enjoy a soft run to aid him in getting the trip but it remains a definite query.
10. Lockdown Gamble (David J Smith, Mudgee): Finished a gallant third in this race last year after leading from the outside gate. He ran midfield in the Final, qualifying after the first two home were ruled out with injury, on a heavy track. He hasn't won for 12 months and he has been a little disappointing though we can forgive him for last time after he was trapped three wide chasing on the speed and dropped out. On his best he's a contender but on form he's probably the right price.
11. Scopics (Dean Mirfin, Bathurst): The least experienced runner with just three runs under his belt, for two wins and a second at Dubbo in a Class 2. Didn't have the easiest of runs on the speed in that race and did a good job to fight on when challenged. He's drawn nicely so should be in a forward spot and his place in the market says he can measure up. It could be a bit too soon for him but he's nowhere near the ceiling yet and commands some respect
12. Sistrum (Roy McCabe, Bathurst): Couldn't get near them early in his lead up run at Bathurst two weeks ago and made some ground from last for a midfield finish. Safely held by De Forerunner prior to that and you'd suggest he will need to turn in a career best to have any chance. Will have his opportunity from a soft gate so we'll see if he's up to it.
13. Whataboutscotty (Karen McCarroll, Wellington): Lightly raced and backed up a solid maiden win with an easy gallop at Bathurst a month ago. Appeared to have his chance there in a Benchmark 58 in his latest start when right in the market but weakened after sitting second in the run to be safely held. Wide gate doesn't help him and this is tougher than what he's met so far.
14. Arimathea (Dean Mirfin, Bathurst): She's had 20 starts and none of them have been at 1400m so that has to be a big query. But, this is her only shot at the Country Championships. Too slick over the 1000m two runs back before leading and weakening in the Preview two weeks ago. Ran second in a Class 1 to Lockdown Gamble over 1300m about 13 months ago. She'll be on speed from the draw but doubt she can hold them off.
15E. Shylock (Kathryn Cahill, Cowra): Found his form second-up with an all the way win over a mile at Parkes almost a month ago. Won a maiden at this trip two years ago but since then his best form has been over more ground, going to 2400m last time in. On the surface you'd think he wants further so his best chance would be if they go too fast up front and leave it for something to finish late after doing no work.
16E. Girragulang (Derek Piper, Mudgee): Just the one win from 11 starts but he's quite consistent albeit in Class 1 and Benchmark 58 grade. Ran well at Tamworth a month ago then not beaten far at Muswellbrook after sitting on the speed. Likely he'll be outclassed but good luck to connections if he gains a run.
SELECTIONS:
1 ISLAND PRESS
7 How's It Kev
4 De Forerunner
11 Scopics
