Next NSW Race

Latest News

Ryan Aboard Former Country Championships Contender

By Geoff Newling

Vega De Lago ($8 on TAB fixed odds) was bought as a Country Championships horse but just failed to measure up. Instead, the six-year-old bay gelding, a son of Lope De Vega, runs in Friday’s $50,000 Akubra Quirindi Showcase Cup (1600m) on a Racing NSW Country Showcase program.

It will be just his second run at his “new” home track but his trainer, Geoff O’Brien, knows he will fare better than his than his home debut when 10th to Akasaki in the 1100m feature Lightning on Cup day.

Vega De Lago (Reece Jones) scores at Muswellbrook. Image by Bradley Photographers

He was beaten six lengths that day but all his other runs, bar one a nine-length blowout in the 1400m Inverell Cup on January 1, have been fair efforts.

“That was the only blot on his copybook for us,” said Geoff O’Brien of the Inverell Cup disaster.

“He was beaten nine lengths - all his other runs he’s been beaten four lengths or less for us.”

Last time out he also secured his first win since moving to his new stable under Geoff O’Brien’s care about 18 months ago.

Bought as a Country Championships prospect out of Victoria he has never been far away other than his home horror.

“That was the original plan, the Country Championships,” Geoff O’Brien said. “Just could quite get that extra length or so. He hasn’t had much luck either but you never do when you come from behind.”

Second last most of the way at Muswellbrook’s Skellatar Park last start apprentice jockey Reece Jones skirted back to the inside to secure a run with the cutaway rail and skate to victory.

“He was overdue for a win,” Geoff O’Brien said. “Hasn’t had any easy runs though.”

Vega De Lago carried 57.5kg after Reece Jones’ 3kg claim at Muswellbrook and will carry 54kg in Friday’s Cup. He will also carry Greg Ryan, the leading HNWRA jockey.

“Greg will ride,” Geoff O’Brien confirmed. “He should suit Vega De Lago too.”

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Quirindi here

The Latest Racing News

TAB Everest & King Charles III Runners - Veterinary Inspections Completed

All horses engaged to start in the TAB Everest and King Charles III Stakes at Royal Randwick tomorrow, 18 October ...
Read More

Friday Focus - A Snapshot Of Saturday Racing

By Nick Berney ROYAL RANDWICK – BEST BET: Race 4 # 7 – PERFUMIST She was impressive last start, doing ...
Read More

Hayes Adamant Ka Ying's Ready For The Everest Pressure Cooker

By Ray Hickson If trainer David Hayes feels pressure as he prepares the world’s highest rated sprinter Ka Ying Rising ...
Read More

Veterinary Inspections Of The Kosciuszko Runners - Completed

All horses engaged to start in The Kosciuszko at Royal Randwick tomorrow (18th October) have, during this week, been the ...
Read More

Randwick Winners - Tips For TAB Everest Day (Saturday 18th October)

By Ray Hickson Race 1 - 12:30PM BISLEY WORKWEAR REGINALD ALLEN QUALITY (1400 METRES) 8. Miles Of Glory is one ...
Read More
Loading...
Racing NSW Apps
View
Mobile Version
Contact
Forms
Information
Industry Links