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By Tony Megahey

For rising Headwater filly Lady River, no classy Hellenism, another heavy track bonus and back in grade equates appealing at value at $6 for a TAB Highway at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Scone trainer Scott Singleton had a high opinion of the imposing three-year-old off successive booming Scone wins before her cracking series third recently in the heavy at Rosehill Gardens to Hellenism, who is upwards and onwards towards the Newhaven Park Country Championships and The Kosciuszko.

Lady River wins at Scone under the guidance of jockey Jay Ford. Image by Bradley Photographers

Back from that deep Class 3, natural progression and into a Class 2, $100,000, 1200m is a logical punting push as Lady River carries 56kg for Jay Ford, up just 2kg.

And with headquarters likely to remain heavy after the final two races were called off last Saturday, it’s an unknown for most of Lady River’s opposition.

On that Heavy 9, Lady River drew wide, covered ground and still closed strongly to be beaten a half-length while Hellenism, one of the hottest prospects in regional racing, had the gun run.

Lady River offers upside from just five starts, a more economical passage from an inside draw and suited by the extra distance and conditions. Vitally Singleton thinks so.

“She dwelt at the start covered ground or she’d have been right in the finish and Hellenism ran well in the Ramornie,” Scott assessed.

“Last start was a stronger race, I brought her back straight away because she’s really progressed - one tough gross filly and just eats up.

“I ride her work, she gives her best there and racedays; wants to be a racehorse. We’ll race close from a better draw.

“When Jay (Ford) got off her, he said it was a big run and she wants further. She’s got that and a draw on Saturday.

"She’ll be strong at ‘1200’ in the going. The same can’t be guaranteed for a couple shorter in the betting I think.”

Meanwhile, city winners have been regular enough for Singleton with 25 season wins, including Remlap’s Gem, Partners and Platinum Jack at Moonee Valley since his biggest win in the Group 3 Hawkesbury Guineas with Shazee Lee in 2017.

At present headquarters remains a Heavy 9 in fine and clearing weather. The rail will be out 9m from the 1600m to the winning post, and out 7m the remainder.

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