3 minute read

While trainer Bjorn Baker expounded on promising newcomers, the increased presence of the Neasham stable is also the punting focus at Nowra’s Sunday TAB meeting.

The multiple Group-winning Warwick Farm training neighbours provide most favourites through seven restricted grade races at the popular Shoalhaven track.

While Bjorn Baker's last start winners Time Bandit ($7 on TAB) and Boy Loves to Run ($6.50) are the obvious, Bjorn amidst a big weekend including Royal Randwick and his star sprinter Overpass, revealed his best to emerge from Nowra likely is an emergency in a modest maiden.

Oscar Charlie ($3.50) is fifth emergency in the $50,000 Bendigo Community Bank Super Maiden Plate (1100m) where there are already early scratchings, his stablemate, one of the favourites Shalmum ($7.50) is unlikely from barrier 18.

Neasham has accepted with five runners some duals, also enhancing the chances of Oscar Charlie edging in.

"Shalmum unlikely from out there, just hoping Oscar Charlie gets a run, we've always had a high opinion of him, a big strapping Russian Revolution gelding, exceptional ability," Baker enthused.

"He's come back this prep with two super trials, he's ready if we're in."

Time Bandit contests the Trusttel F&M BM 58 (1100m) with Amy Mclucas after an impressive 1000m Queanbeyan maiden win.

"Trained on really well, nice turn of foot to win, took a lovely trial to the races, suited out to 1100m and Amy is riding so well."

Boy Loves to Run (NZ) resumes in the Wray, Owen Funerals BM 58, 1100m with a claim for Dakota Gillett.

"Forward enough for the 1100m off two nice trials with Dakota, drawn in and the form from Wyong, Kembla and Hawkesbury sets up back to country level."

Stablemate Pyromania ($7) is also in the race with Andrew Adkins after a Scone placing and will be fitter third-up.

"That Scone race had a bit of depth, nice pointer for this, from the good gate we'll be positive."