Dubbo-trained mare Merdeka holds the lead in the 2024 NSW Picnic Champion Series courtesy of her second placings in the Cobar and Mungery Picnic Cups.

The Dubbo RSL Club Winter Country Classic has only been staged on four occasions and already Dubbo Turf Club is thrilled with the popularity of the concept.

I Am Mamwaazel has been a revelation this preparation, winning twice and finishing runner up twice in his most recent four starts. The John Rolfe-trained gelding, who moved to the Nation’s Capital from Lindsay Park, is a tough, on-speed galloper whose success can be attributed to something quite unique.

In-form galloper Dubai Centre can add another picket to the fence at Kembla Grange on Saturday as trainer John Rolfe looks to set the foundation for another country Cups assault.