By Neil Evans
Just 10 days out from their own headline Showcase Cup meeting, a band of Tamworth stables is eyeing a successful raid on Tuesday’s feature at Armidale.
And it could be the start of a whirlwind month of success around the wider New England region for Tamworth’s equine folk.
Tamworth trainer Cody Morgan.Credit: Peter Hardin
Heading the charge at Armidale is veteran trainer Sue Grills, who heads up the road with a solid team on a track that will continue firming back to around a Soft 6 or even a Soft 5.
The stable’s seemingly best value chance looms with underrated four-year-old mare Miss Chapeau, second-up in a Maiden Hcp over 1300m, with blinkers going on for the first time.
Still chasing her breakthrough win before a 10th start, Miss Chapeau signalled she’s returned a stronger galloper this prep, sweeping home late when resuming in a deeper maiden here 16 days ago.
In fact, Tamworth-trained runners could corner this race. Melanie O’Gorman saddles up two solid each-way chances in Flying Miracle fourth-up and Bear’s Best third-up, while Craig Martin sends out Divine Prophet three-year-old Invincible Red on debut, Melissa Dennett has Vis I Do resuming for a second prep behind two encouraging trials, and Theresa Stair presents Backlash second-up.
The Grills camp will also be confident with improving mare Pull The Tail, who comes back in grade third-up in a modest Benchmark 58 Hcp over 1100m.
But as is often the case, the top Tamworth chance is likely to come from the Cody Morgan yard. Talented four-year-old Rasay Factor is set to peak fourth-up in an earlier BM 58 Hcp over 1900m.
The son of The Factor won two straight to finish off last prep, and while his form has been a little mixed this time in, he showed his best is close, roaring home late to finish just behind the placegetters in a similar race here 16 days ago.
Regular jockey Aaron Bullock has been recalled for the ride.
Supplied by Racing NSW. Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au
