Gunnedah preview, best bets, inside mail for Sunday, May 25, 2025
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Trainer Scott Singleton's 400th winner, Fiorsum Fred, could go from Highway winner to Gunnedah Cup to potential Big Dance participant should he be successful in the town feature.
The son of Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente was the first leg of a Highway/Dark Jewel Classic double for Singleton at the annual Scone stand-alone.
The emphatic Highway win of Fiorsum Fred propelled his trainer to a milestone, both welcomed but not entirely unexpected.
'It didn't surprise me that he won,' Singleton said.
'It might have surprised me a little bit that it was easy work for him.
'He had his ears pricked the last furlong.'
There are 163 days until the first Tuesday in November and even further from a current Highway winner to Big Dance winner but Singleton is looking no further away than the Gunnedah Cup.
'Even with the Big Dance eligibility it is just a suitable race for him,' Singleton said.
'I think he'd be in that sort of race right up to his eyeballs if he gets the run right.'
Jenny Duggan will steer Fiorsum Fred in his Cup quest, she'll also have the reins of stablemate Insightful Award who tackles the Pursehouse Rural Country Boosted Benchmark 58 Showcase Handicap (1250m).
A daughter of Cox Plate winner Shamus Award, Insightful Award was a six lengths winner at home at Scone on March 4.
She clocked in midfield at Quirindi at her most recent appearance but lost few admirers despite her somewhat costly defeat.
'She just got a bit too far back there last start and had to scout wide,' said Singleton.
'It was actually not a bad run, a better run that it will look on paper.
'I had a quick look at it and I didn't think it looked an overly deep race.
'I think she would be well in a race like that, particularly from a good gate.'
Singleton's remaining runner of the Gunnedah Cup undercard is the speedy Outishka whose sole visit to the venue prior to this weekend saw her run her rivals off their legs to win a 900m Class 1 by five lengths.
The daughter of Canonbury Stakes runner-up Outreach will no doubt find this assignment considerably easier than her May 7 mission at the midweeks where she beat one home but with excuses.
'I thought it was a pass mark,' Singleton said.
'She got taken on from the get-go and they were already going too quick so she was entitled to stop I thought.
'She had to go down there, and even though we claimed, she had topweight so she will carry less weight at Gunnedah.
'Back to country grade and those tracks like Moree and Gunnedah, places that she has run well at in the past, are her go.'
Outishka wears a familiar set of colours; those of her breeder Dr Max Kowalczuk, and her two most famous equine relatives.
One of those was Singleton and Kowalczuk's Hawkesbury Guineas winner, Shazee Lee.
The other was Melody Again, now also known as the reigning Group 3 Dark Jewel winner.
SHAYNE O'CASS' TOP SELECTIONS
BEST BET
Race 4 No.14: TROUNCE
Million dollar yearling who should be able to play a prominent part in the outcome.
NEXT BEST
Race 1 No.1: GEMOLOGIST
Comfortable winner of the Star Kingdom debut. Drawn 1 and Aaron Bullock again.
VALUE BET
Race 5 No. 14: FULL COMMITMENT
Reliable type who sent out all the right signals first-up that a win was close by.
QUADDIE
Race 5: 5, 6, 14
Race 6: 1, 6, 9
Race 7: 4, 8
Race 8: 1, 10
JOCKEY TO FOLLOW
Aaron Bullock will be short odds to win another TAB Jockeys Challenge.
Aaron Bullock looks set for a good day at Gunnedah. Picture: Getty Images
INSIDE MAIL - GUNNEDAH
RACE 1: ULTRA LUBRICANTS 2YO SHOWCASE HANDICAP 1000m
GEMOLOGIST (1) knocked off a $1 million yearling, namely Jet, when winning the coveted Star Kingdom at Muswellbrook on debut. Happily for trainer Mark Minervini, the son of Graff drew barrier 1 that day and has gate 1 of (max) 11 here with Aaron Bullock again. The Kris Lees pairing, CORNERBACK (2) and FORGING AHEAD (3), are both well-bred two-year-olds whose trials indicate that they won't be maidens for long.
Bet: Cosmologist to win, box trifecta 1, 2, 3, 8
RACE 2: COURTHOUSE HOTEL COUNTRY BOOSTED SHOWCASE MAIDEN HANDICAP 1250m
INJAIR (14) started out in Victoria where he did some good things without winning. He is in fact still a maiden after 16 starts but he hasn't run a bad race in his seven runs for Gunnedah trainer Gavin Groth. Resumes off a trial win here 11 days ago. CURRUMBIN ALLEY (1) is a Vancouver gelding out of a Savabeel mare so there's a bit to look forward to. Kicks off in a winnable race from a good draw and Bullock riding.
Bet: Injair each-way, quinella 1, 14
RACE 3: H&M REFRIGERATION BENCHMARK 58 SHOWCASE HANDICAP 2150m
HIDEYO (11) gave a very good account of herself at her first run past the mile when she closed off rapidly to be beaten a neck in a 2000m Benchmark 58 at Mudgee on May 11. This is 2150m so in some ways is even more suitable. Same jockey, same (great) barrier too. NATURE BOY (1) has won his 119th and 120th starts - wow. How can you knock a horse on a hat-trick and with Gunnedah form. DESCENDING MIST (2) has finished runner-up in all visits to this venue.
Bet: Hideyo each-way
RACE 4: DONOGHUE VALUATIONS SHOWCASE SUPER MAIDEN PLATE 1400m
TROUNCE (14) has the honour and distinction of being a million dollar baby. He was knocked down for seven figures at Easter, mostly because she is an I Am Invincible half-sister to Oakleigh Plate winner Booker. This is her first run for Kris Lees. Her debut run for Ciaron Maher was passable. Won a trial on May 7. IT'S A WRITTEN (8) is quite a reliable mare; seems like 1400m is suitable to her strengths. Neville Begg-bred RESUME (12) has looked the part in her trials.
Bet: Trounce to win, box First 4 Nos. 5, 8, 12, 13, 14
RACE 5: COOL BLUE ICE CLASS 1 SHOWCASE HANDICAP 1400m
FULL COMMITMENT (14) has a win and five placings from 10 starts. Worth noting that she has a couple of fourths and a fifth there too, just to say that she almost never runs a bad race. Runner-up at her only Gunnedah start and hit the line hard, first-up over 1280m; 1400m today. WILLINGA KARISMA (6) has 'a winning draw' here if she is good enough to take advantage, which she certainly seems to be. OAKFIELD MERCURY (5) won in debut at this track and this trip on May 5.
Bet: Full Commitment each-way, box trifecta 5, 6, 12, 14
RACE 6: HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUTOSMART DOM LIGHTNING SHOWCASE HANDICAP 1000m
ZAKOR (9) has posted four wins and nine placings from 27 starts which is an admirable strike-rate but could have been even better with a bit of luck on his side. He finished off last campaign with a win at Muswellbrook and a second at Wyong. Clayton Gallagher a key and welcome booking. IRON HAT (6) is somewhat similar to Zakor in that luck hasn't always been on his side. He is quite a formidable sprinter when things do go his way. OAKFIELD DUKE (1) has a lot going for him.
Bet: Zakor each-way, Daily Double 1st leg 9, 2nd Leg 10
RACE 7: ***BIG DANCE ELIGIBILITY*** ULTRAFLEET & MANNION DRILLING GUNNEDAH SHOWCASE CUP 1600m
FIORSUM FRED (8) has finished on the podium at 10 of his 19 starts. An even more impressive example of his talent, versatility and placement is that the son of the Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente has won from 1000m to 1600m. Even so, when it is all said and done, he's a miler from nose to tail. These Oakfield horses have been absolutely on fire right across the board for a while now it seems. Enter OAKFIELD PRINCE (4) who won at Newcastle last start with 61.5kg and Aaron Bullock on his back. He doesn't look too badly treated here.
Bet: Fiorsum Fred to win, quinella 4,8
RACE 8: PURSEHOUSE RURAL COUNTRY BOOSTED BENCHMARK 58 SHOWCASE HANDICAP 1250m
ATENTA (10) is a blue blood of sizeable proportions being the sixth foal of the mighty Streama. This daughter of Lonhro had trialled rather well prior to her debut at Muswellbrook on May 2 which she won handily, beating Naftali. Such a hard thing to win next time out for most horses but may be up to the task aided by the favourable draw. The 'best' NYALI SANDS (1) would just about have all these others covered. Just on the ratings; she is 67 and the next best is 62.
Bet: Atenta to win, Nyali Sands to place
BEST BETS
GUNNEDAH
BEST BET
Race 4 No.14: Trounce
Million dollar yearling who should be able to play a prominent part in the outcome.
NEXT BEST
Race 1 No.1 : Gemologist
Comfortable winner of the Star Kingdom debut. Drawn 1/Bullock again.
BEST VALUE
Race 5 No. 14: Full Commitment
Reliable type who sent out all the right signals first-up that a win was close by.
QUADDIE
Race 5: 5,6,14
Race 6: 1,6,9
Race 7: 4,8
Race 8: 1,10
JOCKEY TO FOLLOW
Aaron Bullock will be short-odds to win another TAB Jockeys Challenge.
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Herald Sun
15 hours ago
- Herald Sun
Wagga preview, tips: Cross and Chung's next big hope
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Picture: Bradley Photos 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! 'Her win at Kembla was a good win and I think she has improved a little bit, but I'm just not prepared to put my head on the block yet. 'Sometimes you can put the cart before the horse and you get too excited. 'That's why we are prepared to take a bit of time with her and give her all the chances she deserves.' Cross revealed that he had toyed with the idea of a metropolitan start for Just Like Tilda, instead opting for a trip away down to Wagga. 'I thought about it but I was a little bit too scared that she would just get up in the benchmark system too quick,' Cross explained. 'I'm interested to see what she can do on Sunday and looking forward to it to be honest. 'We are going there with our glass half-full. Whatever happens, the trip away, the floating, that all improves a horse and it sort of adds another string to their bow. 'She is a very sensible little filly, we are going there hoping, we just have to wait for the outcome.' Just Like Tilda will be ridden the Easdown's Accountants Class 1 Handicap (1300m) by Deanne Panya; gun jockey and twin sister of Beany, both of whom spend their mornings at Cross' home ground, Warwick Farm. Trainer Bruce Cross is keeping expectations realistic with Just Like Tilda Picture: Bradley Photos 'Deanne and Beany are just super young ladies,' Cross said. 'They go out of their way to help you. 'Deanne knows Just Like Tilda pretty well. She's ridden her in a bit of a work and in the trial. 'And to be honest, Deanne might have very well been on her when she won at Kembla except she was suspended. 'Deanne rode a winner (on Thursday) at Gosford, she is very underrated.' Just Like Tilda is the third foal of her dam Matilda Jade whose foaling date (September 14 in 2011) was the exact same day as Winx. Matilda Jade was bred and raced by Chung and trained by Cross but sadly, the daughter of I Am Invincible only raced once, finishing runner-up at Gundagai. 'We took her there thinking she would win easily but she got galloped on and severed a tendon so that was the only start she ever had,' Cross said. SHAYNE O'CASS' TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 7 No. 1: JUST LIKE TILDA Created a big impression when winning at Kembla on debut. NEXT BEST Race 6 No. 3: CONDOR Won three of four and runner-up at the other this preparation. Easy to like. VALUE BET Race 5 No. 4: STAY TUNED Boast some compelling provincial form. Fit and stays all day. QUADDIE Race 4: 1, 2, 3 Race 5: 4, 6 Race 6: 3 Race 7: 1 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW BLAIKE MCDOUGALL will have plenty of admirers to win the TAB Jockeys Challenge. RACE 1: JJ'S WASTE & RECYCLING COUNTRY BOOSTED MAIDEN PLATE 1200m HARDLY FORTUNATE (7), an All Too Hard direct descendant of broodmare gem Extradite, was $9 out to $12 when she debuted at Wagga. Smashing run it was too, she drew 9 of 11, was ninth at the turn and got to within inches of the winner. That was 1000m, this is 1200m now. AL FLORES (5), the first foal of Coolmore Classic winning Dixie Blossoms, has had many chances. Many of us are still licking the wounds from her $1.55 loss at Goulburn the other day. Can atone but needs to win back a few fans. Bet: Hardly Fortunate each-way, quinella 5, 7, box trifecta 2, 5, 7, 12 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: WDF ACCOUNTING & ADVISORY SUPER MAIDEN HANDICAP 1400m BADHATHARRY (2) is a rarity, maybe a one of a kind in present day times given he is out a mare by Harry Lawton's beloved Bureaucracy who won the George Ryder way back in 1991. He's also the damsire of Silent Witness. As for Badhatharry, he has had a textbook build-up to 1400m which he is crying out for. Michael Travers has three accepted here and all three could easily medal. MISS PEPEHA (10) is getting closer than ever to a win. His other one Stormy Malice wants 1400m. Bet: Badhatharry to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: RIDLEY WOOL CO CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE 1600m DOC MARCH (11) has been very costly indeed at his last three starts, one at Canberra and two here at home at Wagga. To be fair to the horse, because he is a nice horse, he hasn't been at all helped by wide barriers hence he's been getting way back but running on dutifully. DESERT OPAL (5) has a win, four seconds and a third from his 11 starts, His personal best came last start on May 27 when he won a 1400m Maiden at home at Albury on a Heavy 8. Reliable type, well up to this. Bet: Doc March to win, exacta 11 to beat 5 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: RIVERINA SIGNMAKERS COUNTRY BOOSTED BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 1200m CHRISTMAS STAR (2) races in the familiar colours of Shelley Hancox. This grey filly by Star Turn has finished on the podium at eight of her 12 starts. Only two are wins but looking back now, her losses, while costly at the time, were in races where the form has stood up since. Drawn one, should help. ELASTANE MISS (3) has done nothing wrong in her four starts; she won at Albury on a Heavy 10 and all the rest are seconds including one here at home. Third-up here; Blaike McDougall sticking for a third time too. Bet: Christmas Star to win, quinella 2, 3 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: ICG CONSTRUCTION BENCHMARK 66 HANDICAP- HEAT OF THE WAGGA STAYERS SERIES 2000m STAY TUNED (4) is a Paul and Martha Cave-trained gelding who makes his second visit to Wagga bearing in mind that he broke his maiden here almost 12 months to the day. Fast forward to now and the son of Prized Icon is off a closing second to Hooligan Tommy at Kembla. Ready for 2000m. AVONVIEW (6) is as fit as any horse racing on the card. Well placed apart from the draw. Any upgrade from Heavy could also assist. DANDRUFF (2) will stay all day and is one for one on Heavy. Bet: Stay Tuned to win, Daily Double 1st Leg 4, 2nd Leg 1 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: RIVERINA CRANE SERVICES WAGGA WINTER SPRINT BENCHMARK 82 HANDICAP 1000m CONDOR (3) had his first 13 starts in Singapore, where he won twice and posted two placings. His last four starts are for Tim Fitzsimmons and are '1211'. That second by the way was at Bendigo by less than a neck. Big winner on the Heavy 9 at Mornington last time. Obviously Condor is flying, pardon the pun. MAJOR TIME (5) is a grand old campaigner from the Gratz Vella camp. He's got a good set of numbers across the board and as for each-way punters are concerned; he has won and placed at 34 of his 65 starts. Bet: Condor to win, exacta 3 to beat 5 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 7: EASDOWNS ACCOUNTANTS & ADVISORS CLASS 1 HANDICAP 1300m JUST LIKE TILDA (1) was just so impressive winning on debut at Kembla when $6.50 into $4.40. Won with a lot of authority on the day demonstrating a high degree of race-smarts and quality. Deanne Panya knows her well, so does the trainer of course and he's set her a task that while not a total slam dunk, looks pretty close to it. Bet: Just like Tilda to win, exacta 1 to beat 5. WAGGA BEST BET Race 7 No. 1: Just Like Tilda Created a big impression when winning at Kembla on debut. NEXT BEST Race 6 No. 3: Condor Won 3 of 4 and runner-up at the other this preparation. Easy to like. VALUE Race 5 No. 4: Stay Tuned Boast some compelling provincial form. Fit and stays all day. QUADDIE Race 4: 1,2,3 Race 5: 4,6 Race 6: 3 Race 7: 1 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW Blaike McDougall will have plenty of admirers to win today's TAB Jockeys Challenge
The Australian
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Mister Bianco books Winx Guineas bid with winning hat-trick
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The Australian
15 hours ago
- The Australian
It's A Knockout stuns rivals with dominant victory
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