Tamworth trainers target Armidale before showcase showdown

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.

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.