Latest News

By Tony Megahey

Country Championships form is the punting incentive around outsider Lockdown Gamble ($19 on TAB) into a Rosehill Gardens TAB Highway on Saturday where tiny Mullamuddy’s lone trainer David Smith is grateful for more than a little help from friends.

“We’re on acreage near Mudgee and Gooree Park where I started in racing - through all the bad weather, missing work and meetings they gave us access to training facilities; kept us going," explained Smith.

Smith's confidence is buoyed by Lockdown Gamble’s photo third to classy Zoo Station in the regional qualifier at Mudgee in February.

Lockdown Gamble (Zac Wadick) wins at Dubbo. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

The Casino Prince five-year-old is thriving on a quick back-up after resuming from a spell at an unsuitable 1000m at Dubbo just last Saturday.

The three-race winning gelding is well treated with 57.5kg for Glyn Schofield and barrier 3 in a capacity Class 3, $120,000, 1400m episode.

Compelling form is when Lockdown Gamble led to the final strides, beaten a long neck by Zoo Station in the CDRA Newhaven Park Championships qualifier.

And then had excuses when he finished down the track in the April $614,000 Final at Royal Randwick behind Another One.

David said “he lost it” reacting badly to crowd noise compounded by a wide draw on a heavy track.

Meanwhile, Zoo Station destined for bigger races, was then installed equal favourite for the Final but went amiss and was scratched.

“We decided to back up while he’s eligible as he came through super,” Smith said. “The 1400m this grade suits at this stage of his prep. Off last Saturday and two trials into it.

“He’s shaping more a “miler” since we brought him back and if we win another country race we’re ineligible and that prizemoney,” added Smith.

Smith was a previous four-year John O’Shea employee who grew up on a farm at Dunedoo - Hugh Bowman territory.

David has had city success and remains close to his former boss at Gooree Park respected training manager Mack Griffith.

“We’re mates from when I started pre-training for Gooree. So yep, I’ve had the best educators before I decided to have a crack on my own.

“We’re coming with some favours I think. That Zoo Station run and knowing we’ve progressed.

"Always a hot tempo in Highways and big fields, we’re drawn in with some strong form right off the track if they run.”

That’s certainly the situation and deterrent with the highest rater To the Nines ($8) with barrier 20 for Tash Burleigh and 60kg less the 3kg claim for Amy McLucas.

To the Nines was runner-up in the SERA qualifier at Nowra to talented Testator Sirens and also unplaced in the Final not coping with a heavy track.

On Saturday in a wide betting event invariably scratchings are certain when drawn wide. Lockdown Gamble is an appealing $19 behind early TAB favourite Sir Ravanelli at $3.20 off consistent series form.

At present “The Gardens” is a Good 4 with little rain forecast.

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