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By John Schell

Jockey Andrew Gibbons is hoping to strike an early blow at Muswellbrook on Tuesday when he combines with trainer Wayne Wilkes to partner leading contender African Diamond ($4 on TAB).

The locally-based Wilkes will start African Diamond in the Magic Millions Country Boosted Benchmark 58 Handicap (1280m) with the five-year-old mare by Brutal resuming from a spell.

“I trialled her at Muswellbrook midway through last month and she was close-up when finishing fourth in that hitout,” said Gibbons.

African Diamond (Luke Rolls) cruises home at Muswellbrook. Image by Bradley Photographers

“She gave me a good feel and seems to have come back in good shape.

“I’ve ridden her in four races now and have been placed on her in three of them so we are well overdue for a win.

“There’s no reason she can’t be hard to beat on Tuesday going on the way she trialled.”

Gibbons and Wilkes again team up when the jockey rides Sigsaly ($34) in the Muswellbrook Steel Supplies Tradies Day 27 November Class 1 Handicap (1000m).

“She’s had the four runs back from a spell and she wasn’t far away second-up,” Gibbons said.

“She’d need to lift on her other three runs to be a winning chance but she wasn’t far away a maiden winner at Scone late last year so does have the ability.”

Gibbons rounds out his day with his third and final ride on the Angela Davies-prepared Magatama ($10) in the Big Dance Day On 3 November Maiden Handicap (1280m).

Magatama is yet to be placed from four starts, but has shown Gibbons glimpses of ability to give him confidence heading into Tuesday’s event.

“She trialled well when winning one at Gosford in July and felt good in that,” said Gibbons.

“I’ve ridden her in both starts since resuming for a fifth at Muswellbrook and a sixth on the Beaumont Track at Newcastle.

“She was midfield in each of those runs and if she can put it all together in Tuesday then it wouldn’t surprise me for her to run well.”

View final fields with full form & race replays for Muswellbrook here