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By Greg Prichard

Some serious wet-trackers will do battle in the feature event at Taree races on Friday, the Hopkins Livermore Cup, with all but three of the 12 runners and one emergency having won on a heavy track.

Seven of the runners have won multiple races in the heavy, headed by the Tony Ball-trained Run Rory Run with five.

Wild Chap, Xtra Approval and Ostracised have each won three and Supreme Command, Casirina and Wilderness Star have each won two apiece.

Trainer Tony Ball

Run Rory Run was due to race at the Taree meeting that was washed out on August 4. His trainer, Tony Ball, said missing that run wouldn’t hurt the seven-year-old gelding’s chances in the 1412-metre race.

“Rory doesn’t do a lot of work, but what he does he does well,” Ball said. “He’ll be right.

“He won this race last year and it would be a real good look for him to win it two years in a row.

“Teighan Worsnop rode him last start and she rides him in his work, so she understands him. She’s riding him again this time and they’re both ready to go.

“Xtra Approval’s going excellent. His run last start when he was second at Grafton was outstanding.

“It’s hard to split them, but Rory’s a dead-set wet tracker and it’s going to be the last race so the surface will be a bit chopped up. It’ll suit him a bit more than Xtra Approval.”

Glen Milligan, who, like Ball, trains at Taree, said his five-year-old gelding Supreme Command loved regular racing and being around the stable. This will be Supreme Command’s 10th run of this campaign.

“Emily Farr’s ride on him to win at his last start at Port Macquarie was a 12 out of 10,” Milligan said.

“She got to the lead, stacked them up and then let him go to win easily. She’s back on him this start and I’m confident she’ll do a great job on him again.”

The Taree surface was rated a Heavy 9 on Thursday and Supreme Command’s two wins in the heavy have come in just three starts under those conditions.

Seven-year-old gelding Ostracised, trained by Donna Grisedale at Coffs Harbour, has won once from 13 starts on good tracks, once from 12 in soft going and has three wins, one second and three thirds from nine in the heavy.

Ball will also be trying to win the Can Assist KristyLea Bridge Cup Benchmark 82 Handicap over 1007 metres for the second year in a row.

Last year’s winner, Telegraph, is one of Ball’s three runners in the race.

*First race 12.30pm. Gates open 11.30am. Full TAB and bookmaker facilities along with the Turf Bistro and bar - all inside the warmth of the Winning Post Function Centre. Admission $10, concession $5. See Manning Valley Race Club Facebook page for more details.

All the fields, form and replays for Friday's Taree meeting