Key Factors: Country Championships
Published: 12 Mar 2016
The Country Championships rolls onto the greater west this Sunday, Wellington's tight turns host an intriguing edition of the qualifiers. Ex-Anthony Cummings galloper PERA PERA had form around talented city class gallopers Atmospherical, Coolring and Happy Clapper early in his career and he looks to have the race at his mercy despite the outside draw.
Bold front-runner GREAT CHOICE has been scratched on race day, so it's left to the muscular mare BAY TRUFFLE to offer some resistance. HEZA THIEF will be up there for a long way and don't forget APISTANNA too, he qualified for the final last year!
All odds provided by CrownBet for Wellington Race 7 (correct at 12:30pm).
Key Factor Ratings
Best Bet - Bet now on PERA PERA at $2.15
Value Bet - Standout Trifecta
- 1st. PERA PERA
- 2nd. APISTANNA & BAY TRUFFLE
- 3rd. APISTANNA & BAY TRUFFLE
1. GREAT CHOICE Brett Thompson (Gulgong) - scratched
Bold front-runner. Led all the way to win a five horse race narrowly over 1350m at Cessnock (Class 4) last start carrying 61kg. Since ridden for 2nd in 1200m barrier trial behind Sir John Hawkwood. Wide barrier the risk.
2. PERA PERA Mack Griffith (Mudgee) $2.15**
Strong galloper. Moved up out wider and fought on best (hung in) over 1325m in a Dubbo BM 68 carrying 61kg. Won at Randwick last prep. The one to beat despite the outside barrier.
3. BEMILES George Wright (Parkes) $26
Swooper. Finished 3rd at the Picnics last start over 1400m on a soft track carrying 66.5kg. Since won a trial impressively at Dubbo over 1025m. Poorly weighted so has a place chance.
4. HEZA THIEF Ken Parsons (Cowra) $3.1
Sprinting type. Settled just behind the pace and fought on OK for 3rd in a Dubbo Handicap over 1125m carrying 58.5kg. Failed at 1400m start prior.
5. CANNY WINSOME Max Crockett (Mudgee) $12
Sprinting type. Had a nice trail just off the leaders when running on for close win in a Quirindi Class 2 over 1200m carrying 59kg. Up in distance now.
6. APISTANNA Brett Thompson (Gulgong) $19*
Ridden to lead and never headed when winning a BM 55 over 1400m at Coonamble carrying 61.5kg. Qualified last year at Dubbo from barrier 12. Even wider this time in harder race.
7. SPAREEL Don Oakley (Orange) $34
Got back and struggled for 13th in a Randwick Class 2 over 1300m. No trial since that run on 31st October 2015. Needs to improve.
8. EMERALD FORTUNE George Wright (Parks) $51
Up and down performer. Found a nice spot midfield and came very wide on the turn, running on steadily for 6th in a Bathurst Class 2 over 1200m carrying 57.5kg. Senior jockey on now and can improve.
9. JOHN D’NON Peter W Stanley (Bathurst) $13
Got up on the pace and fought on solidly for 2nd in a Coonamble Class 4 over 1300m carrying 57.5kg. Barrier gives a place chance.
10. SHADOW AFFAIR Gayna Williams (Mudgee) $51
New trainer recently and only managed 8th to PERA PERA in a Dubbo BM 68 over 1325m carrying 56kg. Safely held there.
11. BAY TRUFFLE Matthew Vella (Bathurst) $10*
Strong mare. Settled in midfield and chased hard to land a close win over 1200m in a Class 2 at Nowra carrying 56kg. Drawn out in 10. In the mix.
12. ELVEDA VEGAS Andrew Molloy (Cowra) $41
Safely held on the line when 4th in a 6 horse field over 1400m at Warren (Class 4) carrying 58.5kg. This is harder.
13. IRON BLUE Cameron Crockett (Mudgee) $17
Not a bad effort when 5th behind the classy Clearly Innocent in a BM65 at Mudgee carrying 57kg. Doesn't get much weight relief in this race and never won over the distance. Knock-out chance.