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By Mark Brassel

A filly that went “via Wallabadah” last start is expected to lead the charge of horses from the Sue Grills stable at Tamworth next Friday.

Grills expects to have five runners at the Racing NSW Country Showcase meeting that boasts $250,000 in prizemoney; it is also branded as ‘Tradies Day’.

The local trainer is in form and landed a winning double at Tamworth on June 8 with Hammoon Dancer and My Benalla.

Hammoon Ballad and Jenny Duggan cruise home at Muswellbrook. Image by Bradley Photographers

Talented filly Hammoon Ballad will start in the $30,000 Benchmark 66 Showcase Handicap (1600m) and should make amends for an unlucky third last time.

The three-year-old was having her first run for five weeks and put in an amazing effort when third to The Outcast at Quirindi (1450m) on June 11.

The filly came very wide around the field as they turned for home and finished near the outside fence, making up many lengths on the winner.

“Yes, it was a fantastic run carrying 59 kilos,” Grills admitted.

“I said to someone after they straightened that the horse went via Wallabadah – she came that wide!

“We had her for her first six starts and won two on end, but then she went to Kris Lees.

“For whatever reason, she’s back with us now and the Quirindi run the other day was her first run for us since; she’s always had ability.”

Englishman Paul Frampton owns the filly and names many of his horses after Hammoon, a small village and civil parish in North Dorset, England. Its name means ‘dwelling’.

Stablemate Hammoon Boy will run in the feature race, the $30,000 Open Showcase Handicap (1200m).

Hammoon Boy battled on well when third to Star Boy at Muswellbrook (1280m) on June 16.

“He ran a good race and is just starting to get fit now. He only came back in January from a year off, so he’s just needed time to start hitting top gear.”

Wendy Peel, who rode the gelding last time, retains the ride.

Mick’s Regret is resuming from a break, not having started since being runner-up to Kenneth at Tamworth (1200m) in March where he finished strongly after being well back in the field

The three-year-old is entered for both $30,000 Showcase Maidens – one over 1000m and the other over 1200m.

“He’ll probably want the run as he hasn’t really done anything first-up beforehand, but in saying that, he is an improving horse.”

Montana Pines was having his third run from a spell and last start caught the eye when he made up ground late for fifth to Buon Natale at Tamworth (1200m) on June 18. He will contest the $30,000 Class 3 Showcase Handicap (1400m).

“He originally came down from Queensland and his last run was good,” Grills said. “No doubt the extra 200m will be more suitable.”

Finally, Boat Harbour is entered for both $30,000 Showcase Maidens over 1200m and 1400m. Last start the horse ran ninth to Keighley Sun at Quirindi (1100m) on June 11.

“He’d had a bit of a hiccup and wants at least a mile (1600m),” Grills said.

Meanwhile, Dubbo race next Sunday (June 30) where it’s Give Me 5 4 Kids Family Fun Day, a charity raceday with market stalls and activities, with funds raised supporting Dubbo Hospital Children’s ward.