Bathurst-based trainer Gayna Williams will send four chances to Gundagai on Sunday, with the team led by the in-form Wonder Step (Ashleigh Stanley, $5.50) in the 1180m Benchmark 66 Handicap.
Wonder Step will carry 59.5kg in the 1180m Benchmark 66 Handicap, the feature event on the seven-race program.
The 4YO Shalaa gelding has been racing in red-hot form this preparation, winning three of four starts.
First-up at Dubbo on June 6, the Bathurst galloper had Mikayla Weir in the saddle and worked to the front before holding on to win the 1100m Class One.
Two starts later at Cowra on July 5, Jordan Quince took the ride, and despite carrying 60.5kg, Wonder Step thrived on the heavy eight surface, leading all the way and cruising to a. 1.5 length victory in the 1100m Benchmark 50 Handicap.
Last time out, the Williams runner stepped up in class when taking on the 1100m Benchmark 58 Handicap at Dubbo on August 10.,
This time, Wonder Step raced at the rear of the field for Quince but finished with a powerful burst to win by a half-length.
It’s another step up in class at Gundagai for the Bathurst visitor, but connections have drawn reasonably with gate 5, and Ashleigh Stanley jumps in the saddle.
In an open race, the Ron Stubbs-trained Brial Rose (Jason Lyon, $4.40) is the favourite, ahead of Wagga visitor Just Google Me (Shaun Guymer, $4.60) and Canberra galloper Getty (Coriah Keatings, $6).
Williams will also race Zeebrugge (Ashleigh Stanley, $23) in the 1400m Maiden Plate, Bold Rosie (Ashleigh Stanley, $10) in the 1000m Maiden Plate, and Kirk (Ashleigh Stanley, $21) in the 1180m Class One Handicap.
Gundagai tips – September 7
Race 1: More Cash ($8.50) Best value
Race 2: Screen Spirit ($4.20)
Race 3: Time For Snow ($6)
Race 4: Vella Magic ($8)
Race 5: Performing Diva ($8.50)
Race 6: Newyork Missile ($3.20)
Race 7: Trouve ($4.40) Best bet
