Newcastle has its biggest meeting of the year with the running of the $1 million The Hunter (1300m), and there are some terrific fields, including the Class Three 1600m Highway Handicap.
Thunderbet’s Johnny ‘Highway’ Patton has cast his eye over the field, which was arguably made easier with Highway King Matthew Dunn not starting any chances.
Most runners are from country areas above or around Newcastle and have been racing against each other in previous starts.
It looks to be a moderate pace, the track is in a true position, and they will be racing on a good track.
My on-top pick is Satay Chicken ($5.50), which the astute Tamworth-based Cody Morgan trains. This horse has been racing in much stronger races over the longer distances in Queensland.
It goes up 5kg in weight but drops back from a benchmark 78.
It gets back to a more suitable distance and loves a good track. Josh Parr, who is flying, goes on board, and connections have drawn barrier four, meaning the Tamworth galloper will get a perfect run.
He will be very hard to beat.
My second pick is Rematch ($2.30). This up-and-coming four-year-old gelding started $1.28 last start at Muswellbrook over 1500m and flashed home to run second behind Chrystal Chief, who then was finished unplaced in the final of The Barn Dance.
It’s lightly raced, and with Nash Rawiller going on board, he drops 3kg in weight.
It did win at Newcastle two starts ago and is right in this race.
Rossy’s Typa Girl ($34) is my third pick.
This is another hope where I can’t believe the price. ‘
At its last start, it won over this trip in a Class Three at Taree and powered home over the top of them.
The Trent Potts-trained galloper has drawn barrier one and drops a kilo in weight for this.
Two starts ago, he finished eleventh behind Chase My Crown but never saw daylight and only got beaten five lengths after drawing the car park.
It’s a significant riding change with Jay Ford going on board, and connections have drawn a lot better, and I believe he presents good value.
This week’s ‘Each Way Play’ is Imatruestar ($17).
This 5YO gelding’s run three weeks ago was fabulous at Rosehill in the Highway over 1400m.
It flashed home from nearly last and was wide all the way and will be much fitter for this.
In April, it finished seventh in the Country Championship final on a Heavy track and he is better suited on top of the ground.
The Grant Jobson-trained galloper doesn’t have much form over the mile, but its only run was a creditable eighth in the Grafton Guineas last year.
Adam Hyeronimus goes on board for the first time, and this horse is way over the odds.
Thunderbet Selections
1. Satay Chicken $5.50
2. Rematch $2.30
3. Rossy’s Typa Girl $34
Each Way Play: Imatruestar $17 & $4.20
