By Nicholas Berney
Ultra-consistent three-year-old Clovelly looks set to break through for a deserved maiden win at Scone on Tuesday in the Merry Xmas From The SRC Maiden Plate (1100m).
The Matthew Smith-trained galloper has been honest all preparation, and her runs have had merit in strong time races.
Trainer Matthew Smith.Credit:Getty
The filly was brave in defeat last start at Nowra when running second, and she beat the rest easily. Further, she chased a strong tempo, sprinted hard and never shirked her task to the line.
The lightly raced galloper maps to have all favours from the soft draw and will be hard to beat with even luck.
Punters quickly snapped up the early odds about main danger Xtra Intent, who resumes after a long time on the sidelines.
However, the gelding looks wound up for this event after winning a trial at Tamworth in style by a decisive margin.
The four-year-old is a key late market watch but expect a bold showing, with Grant Buckley booked for riding duties.
The final event, the Kurrinda Bloodstock Class 1 Handicap (1400m), is intriguing, with multiple runners bringing different form lines.
Summer In Siam fits the bill of a progressive galloper who can bounce back into the winner’s stall with a solid profile for this race.
The colt was 29 days between runs last start at Gosford and ran an even race in what has turned out to be a strong form reference.
Moreover, that race rated highly relative to the day, and there have been two subsequent winners to confirm the form.
The three-year-old receives a senior rider for the first time, and all key indicators suggest the step up in distance is ideal third-up.
Trainer Rodney Northam saddles up a knockout chance in Love Rules, who was honest first-up at this track.
The mare was wide throughout, facing the breeze. To her credit, she never shirked her task to the line holding on for fourth place.
In addition, she receives a significant barrier change which will allow her to have a more economical run-in transit and will be undoubtedly fitter.
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au
