It's no longer a rumour!

Third time lucky is a well worn cliché but it’s exactly what it will be if Lockdown Gamble can finally win the $150,000 Newhaven Park Central Districts Country Championships (1400m) at Mudgee on Sunday.

Country Championships form is the punting incentive around outsider Lockdown Gamble ($19 on TAB) into a Rosehill Gardens TAB Highway on Saturday where tiny Mullamuddy’s lone trainer David Smith is grateful for more than a little help from friends.

Lockdown Gamble is described by his trainer David Smith as the “dark horse of the Country Championships” and he's excited to see what his emerging galloper can do at Mudgee on Sunday.

Don’t be surprised to see topical tip Lockdown Gamble start short on the totes at Sunday's Forbes Cup meeting.