Dean Watling turns his attention to the Northern Country Championships Wild Card at Scone, the final chance for these country gallopers to punch their ticket to the big dance at Randwick. With spots in the Final on the line, expect a high-pressure 1400m contest where tempo and map will be crucial in separating a deep and even field.
Race 8
It’s now or never for these country gallopers as we head to Scone for the first of the Northern Country Championships Wild Card Plate. The big watch is on the weather, with rain expected on Thursday and again on race day, which should have a strong impact.
(13) Scripted goes on top from a smart barrier. A slightly above-average tempo up front should allow Tommy Berry to be nice and positive early from the draw. She’s in cracking form at the minute and should enjoy the overall drop back in class.
(4) Clear Thinking can be forgiven for the first-up run when caught three wide throughout at Muswellbrook before knocking up late. He started $1.60 there, returns to Scone and draws better this time. The knock is the 11-day backup after what looked a gut-busting effort, but the wet track is a definite tick.
(14) Lunaite comes right into the picture second-up if the rain arrives. She was plain first-up, but the winkers go on now and that could spark improvement.
(9) Punch One Out is the roughie. He should land on speed and give a sight off the back of a last-start win.
Selections:
(13) Scripted
(4) Clear Thinking
(14) Lunaite
(9) Punch One Out
Suggested bet: Scripted (WIN)
