Parkes preview, tips: Nestor gambles on Lockdown in Cup
In 2023, Nestor partnered the Mack Griffith-trained up and comer Osman to a three length win from barrier 10 – the outside gate.
Nestor and Lockdown Gamble have the outside gate in this year's Parkes Cup (1600m) - barrier 14 of 14 – but will jump from barrier 12 under his big weight of 63kg.
'I haven't ridden him in a race before but I have seen plenty of him,' said Nestor.
'Obviously, he has to lump it again and he has drawn wide but he is the proven galloper in the field.
'He's won a Wellington Cup which is a Big Dance Qualifier. The Parkes Cup which is more of a second tier country cup.
The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here!
'He looks the one to beat on paper, no doubt.'
The David Smith-trained gelding heads into the race in terrific form. He resumed this campaign with third to Osman in the Mudgee Cup on February 23 and his next run at Mudgee last Sunday when he won the Benchmark 82 over 1400m with 63kg.
'It was a good, tough win the other day with a big weight,' Nestor said.
'He's got a couple of things against him – his big weight and wide barrier- but he has the class to overcome them.
'His greatest attributes are his last 100m to a furlong along with his toughness and consistency.'
Nestor was pleased with the first-up run of Kora Magic at Dubbo two weeks ago and partners the mare again when she contests the Benchmark 58 Handicap (1000m).
The Mark Jones-trained mare led from barrier 11 and was only caught in the last 20m to finish third behind Cumnock and Twilight Rock.
'She was just beaten the other day first-up without a barrier trial. I thought she was really game,' he said.
'She had a good blow coming back in so she is going to improve off that run.
'We have drawn wide again but she has the early pace to offset the gate. I expect her to lead easily and with the circumference of Parkes, it will be a lot easier on her than Dubbo.
'Dubbo is a very open track and you are exposed a long way from home whereas at Parkes, you can skip off the corner and it's not the longest run home.
'She will be thereabouts in the finish again.'
Nestor and Queanbeyan trainer Nick Olive have enjoyed a couple of winners together in recent months including Just Go Bang in the Gilgandra Cup and combine with two good chances this weekend.
Sooboogeliscious has been just behind the placegetters in two runs back from a spell and looks ready to peak in the Benchmark 58 Handicap (1300m).
'It's a nice competitive race and he is one of the chances,' Nestor said.
'It was a nice run last start and he looks ready to peak third-up.
'He should get a lovely run without doing any work from the inside gate. We just have to pick and choose our runs at the right time.'
Midnight Affair will appreciate a drop in grade when she returns to country racing in the Class 2 Handicap (1600m).
'She has been competitive in Highways and better class races than what she is going around in this weekend,' he said.
'We just need an ounce of luck from the barrier.
'Egyptologist is the one to beat but he first-up over the mile.
'I'm just hoping the fitness edge we have can make the difference.'
ADAM SHERRY'S TOP SELECTIONS
BEST BET
Race 5 No. 10: COUGARS
Will take improvement his first-up fifth. Soft track suits.
NEXT BEST
Race 6 No. 1: LOVE SHUCK
Was good late in the Wagga Town Plate. This is easier.
VALUE BET
Race 8 No. 4: SOOBOOGELISCIOUS
Just behind the placegetters in both runs back and ready to peak.
QUADDIE
Race 5: 4, 9, 10
Race 6: 1, 8, 10
Race 7: 1, 5, 7, 9
Race 8: 1, 4, 13
JOCKEY TO FOLLOW
Kody Nestor has a nice book of rides and looks a good chance in the TAB Jockey Challenge.
Kody Nestor looks set for a good day at Parkes. Picture: Bradley Photos
INSIDE MAIL – PARKES
RACE 1: Telescope Tyres Group Inglis Xtra Bonus Country Boosted Mdn Hcp 1000m
SPRING PROSPECT (8) lost the rider pre-race then raced keenly when fifth on debut at Mudgee in December. Has been very good in both trials this time back. Was kept under a hold to beat Egyptologist in his May 4 Dubbo heat. AMORUSO (6) is a debutant by Santos. Led by a big margin and kept on the bridle to win her Apr 1 Tamworth trial by nearly four lengths. CERONS (1) was just behind the placegetters in two recent Queensland runs. Was second in the Maribyrnong Trial on debut.
Bet: Spring Prospect to win
RACE 2: Mcpherson's Parts & Service / Aeh Group Super Mdn Showcase Hcp 1400m
BILLABONG ROSE (8) resumes without a trial. Was momentarily held up on straightening when second to Bondi Prophet at Muswellbrook first-up last campaign. TURNING CIRCLE (13) was a handy third to Oakfield Saturn first-up then raced wide when down the order at Kembla. She didn't handle the Heavy 10 when fourth as favourite at Wyong last start. SWEET KICK (12) was a two length fourth at Sale on debut on Sept 11. Changed stables and well beaten first-up before an improved run when fourth at Dubbo on May 4.
Bet: Billabong Rose to win
RACE 3: D'aquino's Grand Hotel / Standen Building Showcase Hcp (C2) 1600m
MIDNIGHT AFFAIR (2) drops back in grade after running in TAB Highways at her past two starts, the latest a fourth to Canadian Ruler at Hawkesbury's stand-alone meeting. Had a win and two close seconds at her previous three runs in the country. EGYPTOLOGIST (1) was good last preparation when a first-up second at Dubbo before back-to-back wins at Mudgee and Dubbo. Given a shake up when second to Spring Prospect in his May 4 Dubbo trial. NAVAL OFFICER (4) made ground when fourth to Zoomorphic at Dubbo before winning at Wellington.
Bet: Midnight Affair each-way
RACE 4: Mca Engineering / Tanswell Transport Showcase (Bm58) 1000m
KORA MAGIC (8) led from a wide gate and just run down late when third to Cumnock when resuming at Dubbo. Went in without a trial and will be better for the run. SHERIDAN STREET (6) led all-the-way for a debut win at Gundagai on Apr 6. Began awkwardly and over-raced when always well back at Wagga last start. Can bounce back. THE MOOCH (11) was a close second to All Astern at Queanbeyan last start. Gets a nice run from the draw.
Bet: Kora Magic each-way
RACE 5: McMahon Building / Zac Kelly Golf Showcase Plate (C2) 1200m
COUGARS (10) sat outside the leaders before racing away to a big maiden win at the Sapphire Coast to end last campaign. Copped a decent bumped at the start before working forward to be outside the leader and just faded late when resuming with a fifth to Miss Emma at Wagga on May 2. MICRO MIKKI (4) made his NSW debut with a nose win at Narromine before a good win from Joy Of The World at Wellington both over 1100m. LADY ISHIKAWA (9) resumes for a new stable. Scored back-to-back wins at Newcastle last campaign.
Bet: Cougars to win
RACE 6: Coachman Hotel Punters Club Satellite Hcp 1200m
LOVE SHUCK (1) hasn't had a lot of luck this campaign. Held up on the bend when second to Fangela at Canberra first-up. Again held up until passing the 200 when third to I Am Lethal in the Town Plate Prelude at Wagga and knuckled on jumping when sixth to Compelling Truth in the Wagga Town Plate. KEIKOKU (10) was help up until near the 70m when seventh to So You Pence at Wagga last start. Should have finished much closer. STARROS (8) tackled a Randwick Highway last start. Nice Hawkesbury win and made ground at Canterbury when seventh to Yiska.
Bet: Love Shuck to win
RACE 7: Parkes Services Club Parkes Cup 1600m
LOCKDOWN GAMBLE (1) is backing up from a solid first-up win under 63kg over Stratified at Mudgee last weekend. Has the same big weight again but is the class runner of the field. Did win the Wellington Cup last year. LOOSE LOVE (7) won over 1400m here to start his current campaign. Ran on nicely to finish a nose third behind Dark Vador at Wagga last start. ROUGE MOULIN (9) raced in the Highway at Scone yesterday. SIZZLE MINIZZLE (5) is back from a Queensland campaign. Just behind the placegetters at Eagle Farm his last two.
Bet: Lockdown Gamble to win
RACE 8: Parkes Courier Service / Parkes Farm Centre Country Boosted (Bm58) 1300m
SOOBOOGELISCIOUS (4) sat outside the leader and battled away for fifth at Queanbeyan when resuming before a half-length fourth to Capital Heart at the Sapphire Coast. Ready to peak third-up and gets an ideal run from the inside gate. RAYMOND'S REWARD (1) is shooting for a hat-trick after a handy win at Armidale followed by an al-the-way win at Gunnedah. MISS CAPRICORN (13) was badly crowded on jumping and settled a long way back when seventh to Zoomorphic at Dubbo last start. Nice win there the start before.
Bet: Sooboogeliscious each-way
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The Australian
3 days ago
- The Australian
Forbes preview, best bets, inside mail for Sunday, August 3, 2025
Brad Widdup is a Group 1 winner and a leading provincial trainer but he is still a country boy at heart and loves getting back to his roots when the right opportunities are there. The Albury raised Widdup heads wet with a trio of capable runners ready to shine, none more so than High Dandy in the Bankstown Sports Forbes Cup (1600m) which is also a Big Dance Qualifier. The John Camilleri-bred and owned gelding has improved with each run this campaign starting off with a seventh to Nana's Wish at Canterbury before a fourth to Walking Painting and a second to Glad You Think So both in Randwick Midways over 1600m. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! 'He has taken a while to get to his peak for one reason or another but his last two runs have been really good,' said Widdup. 'Hopefully he can continue on with that now. The son of Camilleri's own Group 1 winner Ace High looks well placed in the Cup being a 71 rater with 56kg, just a kilo above the minimum. Heading the weight for the race is Another One with 65kg although he comes down to 62kg after the claim. 'He gets in well at the weights which is not often the case when you take a horse out to the country,' Widdup said. 'He has good Sydney form and the fact he gets quite a bit of weight off those couple of well-performed, higher benchmark rated horses, I would like to think he will be very competitive. Widdup has gained the services of Hawkesbury-based jockey Chad Lever who has been on great form since returning to the saddle late last year. 'I was surprised that he is going out there but when we seen his name down for some rides, we were lucky to be able to get him,' Widdup said. Widdup and lever will also team up with lightly-raced mare Initiate in the Walker Family Showcase Super Maiden Handicap (1300m). The four-year-old is closing in on her first win after a close second to Divo and third to Capital Jicinta at Wyong before a last start fourth behind Denial at Kembla. 'She is only a little filly but she tries very hard,' he said. 'She is probably still another preparation away from really being at her best but she is going well. 'Hopefully she can knock her maiden off this weekend. 'I don't think barrier eight is a bad draw for her. 'She's doesn't have real early toe so drawing there, hopefully she can slot in somewhere midfield or maybe a bit closer.' Widdup's final runner for the day is Party Doll in the Club Forbes Showcase Class 2 Handicap (1100m) who will be ridden by stable apprentice, Poppie Gorton. Gorton was having her first day riding at Bathurst two weeks ago when fourth on Party Doll. 'She drew awkward at Bathurst last start and was slow to begin before she took off around them,' said Widdup. 'She just did a lot of work but it was a good effort to finish where she did. 'She is better on top of the ground and is finding it hard to win a race but John (Camilleri, owner) has been good enough to give Poppie a couple of rides on her and her four kilo claim brings her into this race. 'Hopefully she can begin well and be in the race and I'm sure she will run really well if that's the case.' ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ADAM SHERRY'S TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 3 No. 3: INITIATE Has strong provincial form and gets his chance to break through. NEXT BEST Race 4 No. 10: ZOUTASTIC Good win last start and can go back-to-back. VALUE BET Race 2 No. 11: LOST YA SOCK Nice efforts at both runs from a spell. Chance to break through. QUADDIE Race 5: 1, 4, 5 Race 6: 1, 2, 3 Race 7: 3, 11, 13 Race 8: 1, 5, 6, 7 Chad Lever looks set for a good day at Forbes. Picture: Bradley Photos JOCKEY TO FOLLOW CHAD LEVER has a strong book of rides and looks a top chance on the TAB Jockey Challenge. LAY OF THE DAY Race 8 No. 5: ROMANTIC LOVE Safely held in both runs this time in, the latest on a heavy track. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ INSIDE MAIL – FORBES RACE 1: Shead & Nicholson / Daikin / Seeley International Country Boosted Mdn Plate 1100m CARAVANSERAI (1), the half-brother to Alizee and Astern, resumed for the Natalie Jarvis stable with a second to Spice Baby at Moruya when coming from well back on the turn. Will strip fitter for the run. PERFORMING DIVA (4) over did it in front on debut when fourth at Nowra. Took a sit and ran on well when second to Lombardi Lass at Goulburn. Resumes here and looks for a forward showing. RITA RED (5) has placed in three of her four runs this campaign and will be thereabouts again. Bet: Caravanserai to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: Bankstown Sports Since 1995 Showcase Mdn Plate 1600m LOST YA SOCK (11) resumed with a handy second behind Highland Eightgee over 1300m at Dubbo before leading when a half-length third to Gioia River at Corowa. Suited up to 1600m. DANTAINS PRIZE (7) finished close seconds at Narrandera and Wagga before missing the start by three lengths when seventh to Pride Of Jezza. Backed up six days later when fourth at Narrandera. PONTIAC (3) settled near last before motoring home to finish third to Darken over 1660m at Moruya last start. Bet: Lost Ya Sock to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: Walker Family Showcase Super Mdn Hcp 1300m INITIATE (3) followed a length second to the promising Divo with a third to Capital Jicinta at Wyong after being bumped at the start. Forced to race wide early when fourth to Denial at Kembla last start. Solid form for this. THE CONTRACTOR (2) was spelled after a neck fourth on debut at Dubbo on Apr 7. Handy third at Dubbo first-up then races wide and pulled up lame when fourth at Bathurst on July 21. BLACKFISH (6) makes his NSW debut for the Brett Robb stable. Has claims in three placings in Victoria. Bet: Initiate to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: Club Sydney The Amazing Ben Hall Bullet (Bm82) 1200m ZOUTASTIC (10) resumed with a fourth at Hawkesbury behind Regimental Colours who won at Randwick last weekend. Went to Grafton and scored a solid win from Stratafy. DEION (6) has had a long campaign but continues to race consistently with two wins and four placings from his last six starts. Led all-the-way to beat Eilrahc at Warren before a third to Smooth Esprit in the Coonamble Cannonball. Carried big weights last two starts and drops to 54kg. CASTLEBAR ROAD (3) was a month between runs when fourth to Durova over 1000m last start. Loves it heavy. Bet: Zoutastic to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: Forbes Shire Council Showcase Country Boosted (Bm58) 1400m SORRY SUNSHINE (1) ran home nicely under 61kg to beat Freddy's Shock over 1400m on a Heavy 10 at Wagga two starts back. Sat closer and laid out in the straight when fourth to Sunray Lass at Albury. STREET SWAGGER (5) is racing well with a win and two thirds. That Cowra win was his fourth from five ruins on heavy ground. MOTORBOAT (4) raced wide without cover when down the order behind Shropshire Lad in a Highway at Rosehill on July 19 at his first run for a new stable. Bet: Sorry Sunshine to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: Forbes Scrap Metal / Carlton & United Breweries Showcase Hcp (C1) 1400m DEEPWATER ARTIST (2) defied a betting drift from $5 out to $10 when he came with a closing run down the outside to beat Speed Of Thought over 1175m at Albury. His last 100m suggests he will appreciate the step up to 1400m. UNREAL EXPECTATION (1) followed back-to-back placings on the Acton track at Canberra with a handy win from Metal Magic over 1400m at Bathurst. THOUGHTFUL (3), a relation of fan favourite Happy Clapper, was fourth over 1100m in a Bm58 on the heavy at Goulburn last start. Blinkers off and nose roll on. Bet: Deepwater Artist to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 7: Bankstown Sports Forbes Cup 1600m HIGH DANDY (3) ran a nice fourth behind Walking Painting in a Midway at Randwick second-up. Led and just caught late when runner-up to Glad You Think So in another Randwick Midway. Drawn well and will give this a shake. LOUIE'S LEGACY (11) resumed in Federal Open at Canberra without a trial when a half-length second to Craving magic over 1280m. Stepped up to 1600m with a third to Hot Bandit in the Narrandera Cup. Is a winner on the heavy. 13. MORITZ GIRL (13) was doing her best late over 1400m on the Kensington last start. Loves the 1600m. Bet: High Dandy to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 8: Club Forbes Showcase Hcp (C2) 1100m ABSTRUSE (6) was held up rounding the home turn when a length third to Selhurst Park at Moruya before coming from a long way back when runner-up to Sutton Vella there last start both over 1010m. The 1100m helps. ROYAL BOMBADIER (7) raced ungenerously in the straight when resuming at Port Macquarie. Much better effort last start when a half-length second to Calido Magic at Gosford. PARTY DOLL (1) did it tough when fourth last start. Handy provincial form before that. Bet: Abstruse to win
News.com.au
3 days ago
- News.com.au
Moruya preview: Absent trainer Joe Cleary to monitor Gerry Harvey pair on way back from Darwin
Joe Cleary will be somewhere in the vicinity of 33,000 feet in the air when two of his spring, in partnership with the man he affectionately knows as 'Uncle Gerry', compete at ground level at Moruya on Tuesday. Cleary, as has often been the case, spends the first few days of each new season in the Top End where he invariably saddles up, or owns, a few in action on Darwin Cup day. With his flight home to Queanbeyan, via Canberra, taking up most of the daylight hours on Tuesday, Cleary will be monitoring the Gerry Harvey-bred and raced duo Feedback and Vermicella from the skies. Blue-blooded mare Vermicella is likely to start a warm favourite in Tuesday's feature Benchmark 66 Handicap despite being rolled at $1.60 at her last start at Moruya on July 11. That said, the Cleary/Harvey mare was a close runner-up in the Benchmark 74 and lost no love at home. 'She was good,'' Cleary said. 'It was probably half my fault. I rode her too close. I just thought Capital Heart would be out and rolling and try and pinch it but as it turned out, it just fell into Your Not The Boss' hands whereas we should have probably been back where it was and have one crack them. 'She will be ridden colder on Tuesday, getting her back into her comfort zone, and I think you'll see the real Vermicella. 'She just runs straight over the top of them.' Cleary has been for years Harvey's go-to man to improve the respective resumes of fillies and mares before they return home to the Widden Valley to join Harvey's elite broodmare band. There is no doubt Vermicella will have a home there given her royal family but it seems that it will be later rather than sooner in her case. 'If she comes out and wins easily on Tuesday maybe we go to a Goulburn Cup and then that's a back door into the Little Dance,'' Cleary said. 'She is only going to get better with age. I can see her being a real nice country cups horse over Christmas.' Your Not The Boss shows them who's boss! ðŸ'° A great ride from Wagga-based apprentice Holly Durnan grants a double for the @MitchBeerRacing stable. ✌ï¸� — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 11, 2025 Vermicella's pedigree has Harvey's fingerprints all over it. Not only is she out of a mare by his New Zealand-based, hugely underrated stallion Swiss Ace, she is also a direct descendant of one of Harvey's most prized and successful foundation mares, St Kate. As for Vermicella's co-traveller and stablemate Feedback, his future earnings relies solely on his racetrack performances given he is a gelding. The son of Kermadec's first three runs were in Victoria when housed with Mitchell Freedman. Feedback changed states and stables over the autumn, resurfacing at Gundagai on June 28 finishing third on the Heavy 9. He followed that encouraging effort up with another third, this time over 1280m on the infamously on-pace Acton track in the nation's capital. 'The other day at Canberra, it was just a road for the leaders so in hindsight his run was a lot better than what it looked on paper,'' Cleary said. 'And he's trained on well. 'Before I came up here to Darwin, I gave him a gallop on the course proper and he worked super.' Feedback was listed as a $12 chance to win Tuesday's Tyre Torque Maiden Plate (1435m). 'Obviously I have got a healthy respect for Matty Dale's horse (Brannum/$1.95 fav), it's probably the one to beat on paper but Feedback has been screaming for seven furlongs,'' says Cleary. 'I think the addition of blinkers on his last start has really switched him on. 'He'll be ridden forward on Tuesday, look, he's not far off breaking his maiden.' â– â– â– â– â– Bayou won't rest on Laurels Keith Dryden will hand over one of the sport's most recognisable sets of silks to Doncaster Handicap-winning jockey James Innes Jr on Monday when the Laurel Oak mare Blue Bayou steps out at Moruya. Canberra icon Dryden famously steered iron horse Handle The Truth to almost $2m in revenue for Laurel Oak including the 2019 Kosciuszko. Others to promote the Laurel Oak brand in recent times were Golden Slipper winner Fireburn and her Sir Rupert Clarke and Manikato Stakes-winning father Rebel Dane, both housed at Gary Portelli's Warwick Farm digs. Small in stature but big on heart, Rebel Dane is in fact the equine equivalent of an 'uncle' of the Moruya-bound Blue Bayou. Tuesday will be her second consecutive visit to the venue in quick time having finished runner-up there on July 21. 'Great run first-up I thought,'' Dryden said. 'She finished off well. Probably this race might be fractionally stronger than that one but I can see Blue Bayou being pretty competitive. 'I thought each-way, she is probably my best of the day.' Dryden, and his co-trainer Libby Snowden, saddle up an inviting $11 chance in the North Ryde RSL Maiden (1310m) in Brume De Soliel, a direct descendant of the broodmare gem Easy Date (the mother of Snippets). The daughter of Everest winner and current Randwick 1200m track record holder Yes Yes Yes has finished seventh at her two runs this campaign, both holding more merit than it appears. 'When Jeff Penza rode her at her first race, he gave her a real good report but she pulled up young and sore and immature,'' Dryden explained. 'So we gave her a good spell and then brought her back. 'She was disappointing first-up, even though it was only a 1000m, but the second run was a lot improved and I thought she has improved again since. 'I wouldn't think she could win but I reckon she is a place chance.' Dryden and Snowden's other likely runner on Tuesday's south-coast card is Bon River. The daughter of Bon Hoffa was $16 on debut on the Acton track but has seemingly been unduly punished for her underwhelming performance, priced at 100/1 to win on Tuesday. 'It'll improve,'' Dryden said. 'It was a bit hard to work out the other day on the synthetic because everything that led, won. 'And it got well back but its sectionals were actually quite good.'
Herald Sun
5 days ago
- Herald Sun
Forbes preview, best bets, inside mail for Sunday, August 3, 2025
Brad Widdup is a Group 1 winner and a leading provincial trainer but he is still a country boy at heart and loves getting back to his roots when the right opportunities are there. The Albury raised Widdup heads wet with a trio of capable runners ready to shine, none more so than High Dandy in the Bankstown Sports Forbes Cup (1600m) which is also a Big Dance Qualifier. The John Camilleri-bred and owned gelding has improved with each run this campaign starting off with a seventh to Nana's Wish at Canterbury before a fourth to Walking Painting and a second to Glad You Think So both in Randwick Midways over 1600m. 'He has taken a while to get to his peak for one reason or another but his last two runs have been really good,' said Widdup. The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! 'Hopefully he can continue on with that now. The son of Camilleri's own Group 1 winner Ace High looks well placed in the Cup being a 71 rater with 56kg, just a kilo above the minimum. Heading the weight for the race is Another One with 65kg although he comes down to 62kg after the claim. 'He gets in well at the weights which is not often the case when you take a horse out to the country,' Widdup said. 'He has good Sydney form and the fact he gets quite a bit of weight off those couple of well-performed, higher benchmark rated horses, I would like to think he will be very competitive. Widdup has gained the services of Hawkesbury-based jockey Chad Lever who has been on great form since returning to the saddle late last year. 'I was surprised that he is going out there but when we seen his name down for some rides, we were lucky to be able to get him,' Widdup said. Widdup and lever will also team up with lightly-raced mare Initiate in the Walker Family Showcase Super Maiden Handicap (1300m). The four-year-old is closing in on her first win after a close second to Divo and third to Capital Jicinta at Wyong before a last start fourth behind Denial at Kembla. 'She is only a little filly but she tries very hard,' he said. 'She is probably still another preparation away from really being at her best but she is going well. 'Hopefully she can knock her maiden off this weekend. 'I don't think barrier eight is a bad draw for her. 'She's doesn't have real early toe so drawing there, hopefully she can slot in somewhere midfield or maybe a bit closer.' Widdup's final runner for the day is Party Doll in the Club Forbes Showcase Class 2 Handicap (1100m) who will be ridden by stable apprentice, Poppie Gorton. Gorton was having her first day riding at Bathurst two weeks ago when fourth on Party Doll. 'She drew awkward at Bathurst last start and was slow to begin before she took off around them,' said Widdup. 'She just did a lot of work but it was a good effort to finish where she did. 'She is better on top of the ground and is finding it hard to win a race but John (Camilleri, owner) has been good enough to give Poppie a couple of rides on her and her four kilo claim brings her into this race. 'Hopefully she can begin well and be in the race and I'm sure she will run really well if that's the case.' ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ADAM SHERRY'S TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 3 No. 3: INITIATE Has strong provincial form and gets his chance to break through. NEXT BEST Race 4 No. 10: ZOUTASTIC Good win last start and can go back-to-back. VALUE BET Race 2 No. 11: LOST YA SOCK Nice efforts at both runs from a spell. Chance to break through. QUADDIE Race 5: 1, 4, 5 Race 6: 1, 2, 3 Race 7: 3, 11, 13 Race 8: 1, 5, 6, 7 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW CHAD LEVER has a strong book of rides and looks a top chance on the TAB Jockey Challenge. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ INSIDE MAIL – FORBES RACE 1: Shead & Nicholson / Daikin / Seeley International Country Boosted Mdn Plate 1100m CARAVANSERAI (1), the half-brother to Alizee and Astern, resumed for the Natalie Jarvis stable with a second to Spice Baby at Moruya when coming from well back on the turn. Will strip fitter for the run. PERFORMING DIVA (4) over did it in front on debut when fourth at Nowra. Took a sit and ran on well when second to Lombardi Lass at Goulburn. Resumes here and looks for a forward showing. RITA RED (5) has placed in three of her four runs this campaign and will be thereabouts again. Bet: Caravanserai to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: Bankstown Sports Since 1995 Showcase Mdn Plate 1600m LOST YA SOCK (11) resumed with a handy second behind Highland Eightgee over 1300m at Dubbo before leading when a half-length third to Gioia River at Corowa. Suited up to 1600m. DANTAINS PRIZE (7) finished close seconds at Narrandera and Wagga before missing the start by three lengths when seventh to Pride Of Jezza. Backed up six days later when fourth at Narrandera. PONTIAC (3) settled near last before motoring home to finish third to Darken over 1660m at Moruya last start. Bet: Lost Ya Sock to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: Walker Family Showcase Super Mdn Hcp 1300m INITIATE (3) followed a length second to the promising Divo with a third to Capital Jicinta at Wyong after being bumped at the start. Forced to race wide early when fourth to Denial at Kembla last start. Solid form for this. THE CONTRACTOR (2) was spelled after a neck fourth on debut at Dubbo on Apr 7. Handy third at Dubbo first-up then races wide and pulled up lame when fourth at Bathurst on July 21. BLACKFISH (6) makes his NSW debut for the Brett Robb stable. Has claims in three placings in Victoria. Bet: Initiate to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: Club Sydney The Amazing Ben Hall Bullet (Bm82) 1200m ZOUTASTIC (10) resumed with a fourth at Hawkesbury behind Regimental Colours who won at Randwick last weekend. Went to Grafton and scored a solid win from Stratafy. DEION (6) has had a long campaign but continues to race consistently with two wins and four placings from his last six starts. Led all-the-way to beat Eilrahc at Warren before a third to Smooth Esprit in the Coonamble Cannonball. Carried big weights last two starts and drops to 54kg. CASTLEBAR ROAD (3) was a month between runs when fourth to Durova over 1000m last start. Loves it heavy. Bet: Zoutastic to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: Forbes Shire Council Showcase Country Boosted (Bm58) 1400m SORRY SUNSHINE (1) ran home nicely under 61kg to beat Freddy's Shock over 1400m on a Heavy 10 at Wagga two starts back. Sat closer and laid out in the straight when fourth to Sunray Lass at Albury. STREET SWAGGER (5) is racing well with a win and two thirds. That Cowra win was his fourth from five ruins on heavy ground. MOTORBOAT (4) raced wide without cover when down the order behind Shropshire Lad in a Highway at Rosehill on July 19 at his first run for a new stable. Bet: Sorry Sunshine to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: Forbes Scrap Metal / Carlton & United Breweries Showcase Hcp (C1) 1400m DEEPWATER ARTIST (2) defied a betting drift from $5 out to $10 when he came with a closing run down the outside to beat Speed Of Thought over 1175m at Albury. His last 100m suggests he will appreciate the step up to 1400m. UNREAL EXPECTATION (1) followed back-to-back placings on the Acton track at Canberra with a handy win from Metal Magic over 1400m at Bathurst. THOUGHTFUL (3), a relation of fan favourite Happy Clapper, was fourth over 1100m in a Bm58 on the heavy at Goulburn last start. Blinkers off and nose roll on. Bet: Deepwater Artist to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 7: Bankstown Sports Forbes Cup 1600m HIGH DANDY (3) ran a nice fourth behind Walking Painting in a Midway at Randwick second-up. Led and just caught late when runner-up to Glad You Think So in another Randwick Midway. Drawn well and will give this a shake. LOUIE'S LEGACY (11) resumed in Federal Open at Canberra without a trial when a half-length second to Craving magic over 1280m. Stepped up to 1600m with a third to Hot Bandit in the Narrandera Cup. Is a winner on the heavy. 13. MORITZ GIRL (13) was doing her best late over 1400m on the Kensington last start. Loves the 1600m. Bet: High Dandy to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 8: Club Forbes Showcase Hcp (C2) 1100m ABSTRUSE (6) was held up rounding the home turn when a length third to Selhurst Park at Moruya before coming from a long way back when runner-up to Sutton Vella there last start both over 1010m. The 1100m helps. ROYAL BOMBADIER (7) raced ungenerously in the straight when resuming at Port Macquarie. Much better effort last start when a half-length second to Calido Magic at Gosford. PARTY DOLL (1) did it tough when fourth last start. Handy provincial form before that. Bet: Abstruse to win
