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Newcastle preview: Home track has Nathan Doyle's gelding set to Attack

Newcastle preview: Home track has Nathan Doyle's gelding set to Attack

Mercury06-06-2025

Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Connections of Rush Attack are putting his last start failure down to not handling the Hawkesbury track and expect to see him return to form back on home turf.
Rush Attack settled midfield on the fence bit failed to run on and beat just three home behind Enter The Dragon on April 9.
Prior to that run, he won a Benchmark 72 Midway at Rosehill before a nose second in another Midway at Randwick behind Pocketing.
'There are some horses who go to Hawkesbury but just don't handle it,' said David Dyson, racing manager for Nathan Doyle.
'His previous form was very good in town which holds him in very good stead here.'
The gelding drops back to a Benchmark 58 and gets in well with 59kg on his back after the claim of Mollie Fitzgerald.
'He is one of the most consistent horses in the stable,' Dyson said
'He has had a little gap between run hence why we trialled him on Monday just to get him ready.
'There's a bit speed in this race and he has drawn to get a beautiful run just behind them.
'One thing this horse does is try and he will put himself in the finish. That's just what he does.'
Queen's Rhapsody kicked off her campaign on a bright note with a length win at Hawkesbury on May 15.
While she won comfortable in the end, feedback from jockey William Stanley was that she floated once she hit the front.
Doyle has put visors on the three-year-old this week to help her focus and she looks extremely hard to beat in the Class 1 Handicap (1250m).
'We have put the visors on this week to help he concentrate a little bit more,' Dyson said.
'She worked in them about 10 days ago and was really good. She was very sharp. They seemed to have taken her to the next level.
'Once again, we have opted to claim again. Mitch Stapleford takes three kilos off which gets her into the race beautifully.'
Bohemian Art looked to have the race won at the 200m on debut when she hit but just didn't know how to put them away and Impressionism kicked back to narrowly beat her.
Queen's Rhapsody is looking to make it back-to-back wins when she steps out at Newcastle. Pucture: Bradley Photos
She then went to Kembla where she was a well beaten fifth to Monte Veebee but was found to have bled from one nostril.
Having galloped to stewards satisfaction since then, the stable expects her to bounce back in the Maiden Plate (1400m) for fillies and mares.
'Put a line through that run,' Dyson said.
'She galloped for the stewards here last Friday over 1000m to clear that embargo and she worked very strongly.
'We are very happy with her we think she is back to where she was at her first-up run.'
Doyle also has two youngsters making their debut in the 2YO Maiden Handicap (1200m).
Divo is a grandson of Makybe Diva by Capitalist who has shown plenty of ability winning his two trials this preparation.
Just Response is by Justify and like his stablemate, has won both his trials.
'Divo has got a lot of speed. My one query with him is the long time between his last trial on April 24 and his race debut,' said Dyson.
'It would be great if it could get back to somewhere near a soft because the drier the better for him.
'Just Response isn't as sharp as Divo but he has got the fitness edge on his side. He trialled on the Beaumont on Monday and went very well.
'The wet track was absolutely no issue to him so he is one horse we know will get through it.'

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