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'Cloud Nine' End Goal For Goulburn Horse's Country Championships Tilt

With nine days to go until the Newhaven Park Country Championships Final at Royal Randwick, the Goulburn-based To The Nines is one galloper keen for Sydney's big wet to continue.

The lightly-raced Epaulette gelding has won two from two on heavy tracks and is under the tutelage of Goulburn's Tash Burleigh.

To The Nines (Sam Clipperton) heads to the barriers at Rosehill Gardens. Image by Bradley Photographers

To The Nines ($51 on TAB) secured his place in the 1400m Final with a gutsy runner-up result at Nowra in the South-East Country Championships six weeks ago.

Like many trainers of late Burleigh, has had to pivot on the four-year-old's lead-up options with wet weather continuing to re-route race meetings in recent weeks.

Burleigh believes it may well prove to be a blessing in disguise after accepting in two recent race meetings but ultimately ending up stepping To The Nines out at home in a trial last Friday.

"We had a couple of plan As, plan B scenarios for our lead-up run, however, the weather sent us back to the drawing board," Burleigh explained.

"We are pretty happy with the avenue we've had to take between the Heat and the Final."

To The Nines looked spot on in the recent trial hit out on a genuinely wet track. Winning the trial, he stopped the clock in a respectable 47.01 secs for the 800m test with regular pilot Jordan Mallyon doing the steering. Burleigh says she couldn't have asked for much more.

"He came through that great and then had a nice 800m jumpout yesterday at Goulburn. Jordan came over to have a ride on him and we are pleased with where To The Nines is at.

"He has time now for a hit out or two if need be before heading into the final next weekend."

Burleigh says it's just as well the horse isn't quite as excited as his owners just yet but their itchy feet reflect the widespread appeal of the Country Championships concept.

"The owners are very excited! This is Nick's (Farr Jones) first horse, so it's something special for him. John (Hatton) and Anthony (Hawke) have shares in Al Mah Haha, so to be heading to another Country Championships is somewhat spectacular for them, especially coming from a small stable."

"The chances of getting one into the Championships again is something that normally wouldn't come around too often."

Team To The Nines aren't overly concerned with the weather pattern at present having discussed it together recently: "We touched on the wet track. To The Nines has good form on a rain-affected track, and may appreciate that a bit more than a firmer track."

Burleigh or her owners aren’t jumping onto 'cloud nine' just yet though, fronting up to Day 1 of The Star Championships with eyes wide open.

Some of them have been to the Country Championships final twice already with Al Mah Haha and know that anything can happen. Al Mah Haha was scratched before the Final first time around before getting done over by a mere half-head at his second tilt.

"This is our third visit here. So naturally we are hoping for third time lucky." And we all know what three times three equals!

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