3 minute read

While regional ace Aaron Bullock with a full book is the jockey to follow at Friday’s Quirindi TAB meeting, Tamworth trainer Sue Grills is upbeat about her ever-enduring favourite, city grade sprinter Burning Crown in his latest preparation.

The sprightly eight-year-old is having his third run back from a spell in the Quirindi Rsl Club Lightning Handicap, 1100m with 61kg for Jenny Duggan.

And at value odds ($15 on TAB), the latest Canterbury Park failure is a "total forgive" according to regional doyen Sue Grills.

"He jibbed at the start, ran into rear ends and over-raced, and when that happens forget it - he resents riders fighting him, always been a natural freegoing galloper," Sue said.

Burning Crown is a six-race winner who has been racing long enough to be ridden by retired regional champions Greg Ryan and Robert Thompson.

"He had some time off but no issues whatsoever, he came back and trialled nicely before Canterbury and he's going well enough for this grade.

"He just thrives on racing and going to trackwork in the company of horses and people. He's my all-time favourite, love the old boy like family."

With Burning Crown's speed that has seen him lead quality city sprinters, barrier nine is no issue in a capacity field.

Sue has stablemate Smoke Bomb ($41) in the $50,000 Elders Killara Feedlot Quirindi Cup (1600m).

"It's a strong field as always, on latest form he's only an outside chance as he was disappointing at Canterbury."

Along with Bullock, regional ace Cody Morgan is the trainer to follow with form and numbers.

A big watch is on Morgan and Bullock combining in the final event, the Krakatini Class 2 Showcase Plate (1200m), with Lostma Cowboy ($8).

The lightly raced dual winner was an early scratching from a hot TAB Highway at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday to be kept for this.

The Wandjina four-year-old gelding is second-up from a spell but has performed well fresh.

At present Quirindi is a rateda Good 4 in overcast conditions.