3 minute read
If the judgement of wily veteran Stephen Jones and comeback jockey Kody Nestor is as acute as ever, Don’tcha Think an impeccably bred three-year-old, is the safest bet at Friday’s Tamworth TAB meeting.
Tipped for bigger occasions, Don'Tcha Think ($2.20 favourite on TAB), naturally a So You Think (NZ) protégé, contests the Lincoln Grove Memorial Class 1, 1200m where wet form is a prerequisite with the track at present a Heavy 9.
Don'tcha Think is a short-priced favourite on the strength of a Tamworth maiden win overcoming difficulties on rain-affected at $1.90 with Aaron Bullock who retains the ride.
"Always had a big opinion of him, Kody Nestor rode him when he won an open trial, said he wins off it and better races," enthused Scone trainer Jones.
"Looking ahead, the horse could develop into a Country Championships horse, getting out to the right distance on his breeding and they get through ground.
"Really nice type, has to be hard to beat."
Before winning at Tamworth where he was baulked and held up before powering home, Don'tcha Think significantly was placed early career on a Heavy 9 at Muswellbrook.
Meanwhile, comeback jockey Nestor, former trainer and noted good judge offers value with five rides.
After a lengthy absence with a shoulder injury, he rides contenders at odds for leading regional trainers Cameron Crockett and Brett Robb.
Significantly, Nestor has elected to travel for just one ride at Royal Randwick on Saturday on Swift Charm ($8.50) a leading Highway contender despite a wide draw.
Nestor is now based at Newcastle in proximity to the majority of his regional commitments in the Hunter and northern tracks. He is back with opportunities riding regular work with old ally Kris Lees.
Nestor's 21 wins this season is productive enough. He has prospects on the Crocket-trained Competition ($9) and Robb's Chile Chile ($9.50).
Competition in the Metroll BM 66, 1600m with 58.kg has wet track placing, is fitter for three runs back from a spell, suited out in distance and significantly the Godolphin-bred, Shooting To Win three-year-old gelding started a short-priced favourite with a strong Newcastle 1500m win in January.
It is significant Chile Chile has won on a Heavy 9 contesting the opening event.
