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By Tony Megahey

Astute three-decade trainer Mark Jones is adamant a recent Sydney Highway failure by his speedy mare Life’s a Party was a complete forgive going into a far more favourable Monday Bathurst TAB meeting.

“I’m disregarding it completely, the jock said nothing went right from the start, she was dragged back last when normally she races on speed, she led all the way her previous win at Wellington,” Mudgee-based Jones assessed.

Life's A Party (Jake Pracey-Holmes) scores at Orange. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

Being so lightly framed interference in a capacity field has severe repercussions as she finished down the track behind Wilbury who completed a winning treble.

On Monday, Jones has placed Life’s a Party ideally with 56.5kg less a 2.5kg claim and barrier 3 for Braith Nock in the Central West Electrical Class 2, 1100m.

“She’s drawn to use her speed, only a tiny mare so the weight relief is important but in saying that, it’s a strong race if not a big field with those two Sydney horses accepting with good form lines.”

Warwick Farm’s Ces Soirees La was dominant winning at Newcastle for Robert Quinn and “Farm” neighbour Maz Kanata with Jason Coyle was beaten narrowly at Wyong recently after winning last prep at Nowra.

It’s a drop in grade at Bathurst.

Meanwhile, Jones with a small team also has Chief White Sock in the final event also with Braith claiming 2.5kg off a hefty 61kg.

“We’ve tried a few different things with him this prep hoping for improvement, and he led to win at Mudgee last prep.”

The Bjorn Baker stable typically maintains a strong presence at the track where they hold the record of five winners in late 2017 combining with the retired great Greg Ryan.

And the increasing presence of the Neasham stable is also a big watch.

At present Bathurst is a Good 4 in fine weather.

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