Latest News

By Tony Megahey

Armidale’s dual TAB Highway winning young trainer Stirling Osland links with an airborne Greg Ryan for what promises to be a productive Tamworth TAB meeting on Sunday.

Amidst a phenomenal streak, Ryan rode four winners at Warren on Tuesday to extend his tally to 131 in a record country season. With 3600 plus winners, Ryan’s illustrious career compares favourably with hall of famer Robert Thompson and his Australian record of 4300 plus winners.

Ryan rides consistent former SA galloper Arugula for Osland in the fourth event on Sunday, and his hordes of punting followers will be high on confidence as he has seven well credentialed mounts on Tamworth’s booming eight-race TAB card that offers capacity fields.

Ryan also rides strongly fancied runners from the Denham, Northam and Grills stables, so a repeat of Tuesday’s feat is a distinct possibility.

“Greg is riding so well, he’s certainly in the zone and you’ve got a lot in your favour having him on,” Osland offered assessing the prospects of four value chances.

Arugula is among Osland's best chances at Tamworth on Sunday. Credit: Bradley Photos.

The stable opens with Indisputable in the Virbac Animal Health Maiden (1400m).  Finishing third at Grafton after close ups in Hawkesbury and Kembla maidens ensures Indisputable has the best form in the race reverting back to country grade.

“No favours right out there, but out to 1600m suits him, it was a nice run last start and those runs in tougher provincial class brings him in well with any luck from the draw,” Stirling offered.

Former Victorian filly Pig ‘N’ Whistle is value if she gets a start as first emergency in the Livamol- Bioworma Maiden (1000m).

“First prep for us was a nice run as she was still on the heavy side first up,” Stirling said. “She’ll go forward from that run and has ability.”

Arugula with Ryan aboard appeals as Osland’s best chance from the rails draw off a Tamworth maiden win followed by Moree and Grafton placings.

“From the good gate, we’ll roll forward and be on pace again,” Osland said. “Greg should give him all the favours. He’s originally from South Australia, consistent gelding, all his runs have been solid and the 1400m suits.”

Finally three-year-old filly Pricing Power contests the Tuff Rock, EJC Class I, 1400m.

“She’s a nice enough filly, her past couple have been just ‘so so’ but prior to that she ran well at Quirindi and Casino,” Osland said. “Out to 1400m she can improve from the good draw.”

Tamworth at present is rated a good four track in overcast conditions.

View the fields and form (including race replays) for Sunday's Tamworth meeting here.