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By Tony Megahey

For Gerry Harvey it’s hardly compensation for the passing of his best-ever in Libertini, but positives abound with his airborne mare Tucson Valley (NZ), amidst Gerry’s unbeaten six-race winning streak with Norwegian Bliss.

Tucson Valley is a dual acceptor at Gosford's Saturday stand-alone for a TAB Highway $100,00 Class 3, 1200m, where he is a $6.50 chance on TAB, and is also the $2 favourite for the final race at Armidale on Friday.

Rachael Murray scores on Tucson Valley at Inverell. Image by Bradley Photographers

The old firm of the prolific entrepreneur and breeder, and Scone training veteran Stephen Jones, is in focus after Tucson Valley won a recent provincial double by an astonishing 12 plus lengths in near record times.

However, Jones, fazed by a disastrous extreme outside draw at Gosford and also wide at Armidale, is considering his options with Rachael Murray booked to ride wherever she starts.

“Haven’t made a decision yet I’m still going through both races to see what’s best for this mare but yes she does go pretty good,” Jones offered.

The overriding issue is if Jones opts for Armidale for a much easier race and she wins, she’s no longer eligible for a Highway.

So, there’s also the possibility that he might hold off, miss both meetings until he gets conditions to suit.

By Harvey’s NZ sire Swiss Ace from his classy Flemington 1400m winner Sabino Canyon, Tucson Valley blitzed rivals by seven lengths with 61kg at Wellington and by four lengths at Inverell. Rachael rode her on both occasions and is in the zone with a winning double at Gunnedah on Monday.

Conceded by form students is the modest opposition at Inverell and Wellington. However, to put such margins on any opposition at just 1100m with a big weight and spinning the clock, indicates Gerry might have again bred something special.

She clocked 1.03.14 in a Wellington BM 58, 1100m, comparing favourably with the 1.02.20 track record. And just as impressive previously at Inverell (1100m).

Jones, a Highway original, remains a valued Harvey ally for emerging talents. And also, invariably finds winnable races for the big numbers of Harvey gallopers not deemed city grade.

Aside the recent loss of Libertini from a breeding aspect is incalculable.

Gosford remains a Heavy 8 in clearing weather and early Highway scratchings from the wide draws are Cameron Crockett’s Pure Fuego and Paul Messara's Velorum.

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