Latest News

By Tony Megahey

Nudging a track record at just her third start has convinced trainer Marc Quinn that his flying filly Bomarea is over the odds ($13 on TAB) and can concede experience and age to the opposition in Saturday’s TAB Highway Plate at Royal Randwick.

The impressively bred Dissident three-year-old by Sound Advice, a Fastnet Rock mare, won a September Muswellbrook Class 1, 1000m in a stunning 56.32 comparing favourably to the 56.19 track record.

“I think she’s overs, fast horses run fast times, she’s always had that capability - that’s why we’re coming,” enthused the long-time Port Macquarie trainer, a regular Highway and Country Championships contender.

Bomarea (Mikayla Weir; yellow & black) scores narrowly at Muswellbrook. Image by Bradley Photographers

“We were going to give her more time up here, but the 54kg with the form she’s in convinced us and under the Plate conditions.”

Bomarea is getting a substantial 5kg off the main hopes.

“That and the timing was right off a nice trial. She's progressing like our next Country Championships runner.”

Another impressive winning trial at Tuncurry recently has primed Bomarea for the $120,000 TAB Highway Plate, Class 3, 1000m with 54kg for regular rider Mikayla Weir.

“We thought about claiming but Mikayla has done an exceptional job with this filly. After winning at Muswellbrook, Bomarea had extended time off.

“She picked up a virus and we were going to turn her out, but she got over it soon enough and trialled really well again for Mikayla.”

Every reason why no race instructions for Mikayla: “No need, she knows her, they relate, a handy gate and weighted.

“But we won’t be the ‘bunny’ in the lead in a high-pressure race, and they usually are. She can get the job done with a sit.

“And the next few weeks of this prep, will tell us if we can stretch her out to the 1400m of the Championships."

Apart from her speed, the “Port” team also has other factors in their favour.

Recent impressive Highway winner Wilbury on a winning streak is an early scratching from barrier 16 as is Reatros from gate 14.

And the short-priced TAB favourite Emperor ($1.90) a recent series winner for prolific Matt Dunn and Nash Rawiller has drawn 16 in a capacity field.

View final fields with full form & race replays for Royal Randwick here