3 minute read

Warwick Farm trainer Matthew Smith is hopeful Sunday is the day for Noble One to score an overdue maiden victory when he lines up in the Country Motor Company Maiden Handicap (1200m).

Noble One has had seven starts in his career and has been placed in six of them, the latest at Goulburn at the end of last month.

"He's a consistent horse that is knocking on the door for a win," said Smith.

"He's been placed in both of his runs at Nowra and the 1200m looks to be a distance that suits him as well."

Noble One has had a number of jockeys ride him, and Grant Buckley takes over for his first steer of the four-year-old at Nowra.

"He's drawn well in barrier three and the race looks like it suits him very well," said Smith.

"I'd expect him to figure in the finish."

Smith has two runners set to tackle the Hanlons Windows Class 1 & Maiden Plate (1600m) with Doutelle, to be ridden by Ellen Hennessy, and Icon Dream, with Rebecca Bronnett Prag in the saddle, among the acceptors.

Doutelle is resuming from a spell and has had two barrier trials to prepare, while Icon Dream finished fifth on debut at Tuncurry.

December Sky (Buckley) and Deloris (Bronett Prag) round out the Smith team at Nowra in the HQ Insurance Maiden Plate (1400m).

December Sky is yet to figure in the placings from three starts, while Deloris is a filly that is on debut and has had two recent trials in preparation.

Smith's fellow Warwick Farm trainer, Joseph Pride, will have one runner in action at Nowra with Iconic Treasure lining up against Noble One.

Iconic Treasure has only had one start and he raced on the speed and battled on strongly to finish third at Wyong. Akysha Collett takes the ride on Iconic Treasure at Nowra.

Collett has two other rides at Nowra, with the Annabel Neasham prepared Sabana awaiting in the HQ Insurance Maiden Plate, and Tillman her mount in the Shoalhaven Rugby League Club Country Boosted Benchmark 58 Handicap (1400m) for trainer Greg Stephens.