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By Mark Brassel

An in-depth look at every runner's prospects in the $75,000 Robert Oatley Mudgee Cup (1400m) on Friday. The race is a qualifier for the $3m Big Dance at Royal Randwick in November 2026.

1. SUPER HELPFUL (Barbara Joseph, Paul & Matt Jones; $23 on TAB): Three starts back finished a solid 4th (3 lens) to Fortune at Randwick (1600m) before outclassed in Gringotts' Big Dance (1600m) at that course. Had an interrupted run home when 6th (3.8 lens) to Kintyre at Canberra (1400m) last time but jumps from gate 13 and the 61kg makes his job tough.

2. WALKING PAINTING (GB) (Richard & Will Freedman; $15): Unlikely, earmarked for the Kensington Track on Friday evening. *Updated after scratchings declared.

3. ISTOLEA MERC (Bjorn Baker; $3 favourite): Won first-up at Warwick Farm (1100m) then never in the hunt on a shifting track at Randwick behind Pokerjack. Two starts back trapped wide and did well to finish 4th to Apex (2.3 lens) at Canterbury and last time swept around them five-wide and hit the front, before being run down late by Balkans at Canterbury (1250m). Rises to the 1400m but was an easy 1300m winner at Hawkesbury in April and gets the gun run from the inside gate. Deserves to be high in the market.

4. ROLLING MAGIC (Richard & Will Freedman; $5.50): Not a certain starter; entered for the Kensington Track on Friday and Rosehill on Sunday. *Updated after scratchings declared.

Jacenza (Reece Jones) is an all-the-way winner at Scone. Image by Bradley Photographers

5. REMATCH (Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich; $4.20): Went for a break after his 4th to Campaldino in the Orange Cup and that form could be much better than first thought, as Campaldino then ventured north to win a couple of Stakes races in Brisbane during the winter. Has just had one run back from the break when a gallant 2nd around the tricky Armidale circuit under the steadier of 62kg and has since had a tick-over trial. Will be cherry ripe now and looks a key player in this, dropping 5kg with Aaron Bullock aboard.

6. AIMPOINT (Mack Griffith; $26): Won the Wellington Cup (1700m) in March before 10th in that same Orange Cup. Has not started since August when run down late by Louie's Legacy in the Forbes Cup (1600m) on a heavy surface. Trialled well over 1100m at Scone a few weeks back after being wide most of the way and does have fresh form. Trained on the track and will be on-pace so must be given each-way claims.

7. RHYTHM IS A DANCER (Brett & Georgie Cavanough; $8.50): Nicely ridden in the Coonabarabran Cup (1600m) after peeling off heels on straightening. Looked certain to score but Who Ever Thought packed too many guns along the inside when he was in receipt of 1.5kg from the winner. Last start ran home well for 3rd (Rematch-2nd) at Armidale and meets Rematch 2.5kg better for just under length. Consistent and has had one crack at the track and distance and landed the cash. Must be given respect.

8. DANCES WITH HOOVES (Cameron Crockett; $9.50): Has drawn barrier 14 and no jockey has been notified. *Updated after scratchings declared.

9. HOW'S IT KEV (Alison Smith; $31): Was a mile back and made some headway when 6th (6 lens) to So You Pence in the Barn Dance (1300m) at Randwick then went to the line solidly when runner-up to Master of Disguise at Orange (1300m). Very genuine 8yo who rarely turns in a bad one and will relish dropping 6.5kg here although the grade is much stronger. Looks one of the better roughies.

10. KNIFE’S EDGE (Alison Smith; $34): Has not been seen since July when 11th of 13 (14 lens) to The Irish at Doomben on a heavy track over 2200m. Has raced once here (1400m) for a 2nd to Casirina back in July 2023 as an $11 chance. Could only take on trust in this line-up.

11. JACENZA (Rodney Northam; $13): Two starts back put in a top notch effort at Scone (1600m) when he cleared out in front and defied all attempts to run him down. Among his rivals that day were Rhythm Is A Dancer and Bestower (who won at Warwick Farm on Wednesday). At his last outing he again led and was grabbed right on the post by Darn Cute at Gosford (1600m). In great form and his racing pattern in the lead or thereabouts will suit around Mudgee so should take catching. Gets in nicely with just 52kg after the claim and makes appeal at the price..

12. LAUREL HILL (Robb Potter): Scratched.

13. MOUNTAIN TOP (Dean Mirfin; $34): Last start was on the speed but tired when 6th (3.2 lens) to Master of Disguise at Orange (1300m). How's It Kev went straight past him late in that race and meets 'Kev' 2.5kg for being beaten. Hard to recommend.

14. NEW BUSINESS (GB) (Annabel & Rob Archibald; $41): Has had four starts since being imported from the UK without showing a great deal. Beat one home when 6th to Mafia at Canterbury (1250m) before dropping out when 6th of 8 (6.5 lens) to Three Arrows at Hawkesbury (1300m). Drawn out in gate 11 and hard to get enthused on his chances.

15. (1st em). SUNDAY (Jackie Greentree; $101): Lightly raced mare who has won her past couple of starts over 1400m at Coonabarabran and Orange. Showed tenacity to fight back after being headed at Orange but she rises sharply in grade here from a Class 1 victory and also has an awkward gate (12). Place claims appear best.

16. (2nd em). FEIRME PRINCE (Toby Pracey; $71): Has had three runs around Mudgee without figuring in the placings. Was another to finish behind out mate 'Kev' at Orange when 8th (4.3 lens) behind Master of Disguise. Looks to be safely held here.

SELECTIONS
11. JACENZA - $13
5. Rematch - $4.20
3. Istolea Merc - $3 fav
9. How's It Kev - $31

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