Tamworth form goes under the microscope down the New England Highway

The form strength of “big brother” Tamworth is on show at Monday’s open and feature Quirindi meeting.

In fact, the form-based reputation of the New England powerhouse is set to lend a big helping hand to punters breaking down the most open races on the program.

In a wide open benchmark 58 handicap over 1200m, two runners in commission both come through the feature John Clift BM58 sprint held on Tamworth Cup day 17 days ago.

Heading the charge is four-year-old Scone mare Shooting Zaa who hasn’t won for a while, but hit the line impressively enough behind Markwell Dreamer at Tamworth after being backed from $9 into $7.

From that same race, underrated seven-year-old Sparks finished well down the track after also being backed in from even bigger odds.

Later, the close-up third placegetter from the John Clift, Chiky Chiky Mama, looks a serious chance to finally snap a long run of placings in a Country Boosted class 1 handicap over 1000m to close the card.

And not surprisingly, one of her biggest dangers is improving Tamworth mare Totally Discreet second-up after a nice closing return in the John Clift.

Meanwhile, speaking of Tamworth runners making the short trip south to Quirindi, tough and consistent filly Arrabbiata looks set to finally land her maiden in the opener over 1450m.

Having been twice behind the winner and less than two lengths away in four runs to start her career for trainer Melanie O’Gorman, Arrabbiata seemingly only needs to overcome a wide draw to break through.