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By Ray Hickson

Tips and race by race preview by Ray Hickson for Sunday’s Mudgee meeting. Selections based on a good track.

8. Pawa is an interesting runner on debut for Edward O’Rourke. A three-year-old who has trialled quite nicely on two occasions at the provincials and while tapped along to win the latest it was 1000m. Finds a nice race, inside gate, should be hard to beat.

Dangers: 6. The Contractor has been largely competitive in all five starts to date and fought on well beaten half a length at Scone earlier this week. If he backs up well he’ll be right in the finish of this. 5. Spirit Of Saintly is a 22 start maiden and isn’t often placed but he was close up when fourth at Narromine a couple of weeks ago. Top rider on board and could show up. 4. Preordain could be an improve back onto a good track after just battling at Nowra last time. Drawn well, less depth and gets a claim so could be an improver.

How to play it: Pawa WIN ($2.70 TAB Fixed Odds).

Pawa wins a Hawkesbury trial on August 25

8. Zorko is on debut for the Cavanough stable and is out of a Group 1 placed mare. Only the one public trial and it was back in February but it showed there’s some ability in the locker. Has drawn out so some luck required early but does appear a big chance.

Dangers: 6. Single Shy was a significant drifter at her first start two weeks ago and she settled back in an 800m dash at Narromine and worked home into fourth. Expect she’ll benefit from that, drawn ideally and is worth keeping safe. 2. Maybe Now was spelled after failing at his first run for the new stable back in April. Close up in a recent trial and any support would be a good pointer. 1. Western Warrior has just had the one public trial and it wasn’t a bad effort either. Worth keeping safe and a placing isn’t out of the question.

How to play it: Zorko WIN ($2.70 TAB Fixed Odds).

Zorko runs third in a Scone trial on February 12

2. Casino Stage is lightly raced for a six-year-old and is on trial at the trip but he should have won last time out when fourth as an odds-on favourite at Scone three weeks ago. That was 1700m, down a couple of kilos and strikes a winnable race. Go well.

Dangers: 4. Devils Daughter settled last off a wide gate at Bathurst and rushed home to run a close second at this sort of trip. Down a notch in class and a repeat effort gives her a good chance. 8. Farriage had some support when placed at Newcastle on a heavy track last time. Yet to win in 31 starts but has 11 placings so is somewhere in the mix. 9. Prizes Galore stepped up in trip to 2100m when an even fourth at Tamworth. Find this a bit easier and a placing wouldn’t surprise.

How to play it: Casino Stage WIN ($2.50 TAB Fixed Odds).

Casino Stage runs fourth at Scone on August 19

4. Deion is worth forgiving for his unplaced run in the Narromine Cup when out the mile for the first time. Boxed on okay there but much better suited back to this trip where he was a strong winner at Dubbo prior. Might get some control and if he does he’ll take catching.

Dangers: 1. Lockdown Gamble ran third behind Deion then also finished in that position in the Narromine Cup. Racing well and has a handy record at his home track. Can’t be overlooked. 7. Fetes Des Meres ran well in a Highway off a wide gate then got back and ran on back to 1200m at Scone earlier this week. Keep in mind. 3. Rhythm Is A Dancer is a lot better than his past couple would suggest. Never really in it in the Moree Cup but if he finds something like his best he’ll be competitive.

How to play it: Deion WIN ($5 TAB Fixed Odds).

Deion wins at Dubbo on August 10

5. Green Run has been racing well since winning at Carinda in July. Handy effort on a dry track at Dubbo before looking home at Scone two weeks ago only to be grabbed in the last couple of strides. Drawn to have his chance and if he holds form he’s an each-way hope.

Dangers: 1. Haze led when just missing a place at Dubbo at this trip then back 100m and ridden off the pace he was too strong at Narromine two weeks back. Up 2kg but looks a serious danger. 6. Saintly Sands looked a coming winner when runner-up at Tamworth then hit the front up to a mile at Narromine as favourite and cut down late. Blinkers on and entitled to another chance. 2. Vis I Do is consistent of late and this is no harder than his recent placings so he’s worth some thought.

How to play it: Green Run EACH-WAY ($8 TAB Fixed Odds).

Green Run finishes third at Dubbo on August 10

9. Earl Of Bantry hasn’t raced since last spring but enjoyed a good first prep for the stable with two impressive wins and a last start second. Should be fitter for a couple of trials, winning the latest, and he can run well fresh.

Dangers: 4. Marvel Man has struck winning form with successive Bathurst wins as a short priced favourite. Steps to the 1200m now but sure to give a good account on speed. 8. Plenitude ran well in an open class sprint before back in grade and a shade disappointing at Narromine last time. Senior rider on and best is good enough. 10. Coella ran well in a Highway last prep and will be better for a close up return at Scone over the 1000m. Extra trip a plus and must be included.

How to play it: Earl Of Bantry WIN ($7.50 TAB Fixed Odds).

Earl Of Bantry wins a Scone trial on August 13

2. Blend Of Three was dominant when resuming for new yard at Scone putting four lengths on his opposition in an impressing showing. That was fresh from a placing over 2100m. Fitter and the extra ground will be right in his favour. Could go on with it without surprising.

Dangers: 3. Hard Too Impress has been going well without winning and while a beaten favourite at Narromine last time may appreciate a firmer track and certainly can be in the finish. 9. Bulla Vinaka resumed from a long layoff when a close second at Bathurst a few weeks ago. If he can back that up then he’s in the mix somewhere. 4. Ivana was a maiden winner at Wyong in January and resumes with two trials under the belt. Will benefit from the run but drawn to have every chance.

How to play it: Blend Of Three WIN ($4.00 TAB Fixed Odds).

Blend Of Three wins at Scone on August 18

All the fields, form and replays for Sunday’s Mudgee meeting