One of bigger surprises Nathan had during the week while still feeling happy over last week’s two wins and a second from a small team turning the stable luck ,Ashley telling him that GEORGIE BEST was rated an odds on pop by the TAB was it.
“I wouldn’t have thought he would be nearly as short as that” was Nathan’s reaction.
Nevertheless in the longer term he is a big fan of the youngster’s prospects.
“He can win tonight things going his way but I can tip him as a horse to follow.
He showed us quite a bit early on but everything went wrong for him next time in.This time though he seems a different horse,more like the one we thought he could be in just about every way so I expect him to have a strong campaign. Good enough to win but a bit short for mine”
The Bookmakers are taking no risks with WAT NEXT in the first 4.49pm either but have a stronger case this time. Nathan points out that her disappointing form at times last year now plays in her favour.
“She has always had ability but with a virus and other issues her form did not reflect that. As a result she has got down in the ratings and now it pays off for her. Can’t fault her since last week,she is thriving this time in and she should get her chance from that gate”
Major interest will surround the return of COAL FIRE,the third stable favourite on the night at $2 (7.47pm) and one of the best northern youngsters of his age earlier in the year. How forward is he ?
“He’s as fit as he can be without having a race. So obviously he will get better with this but with a nice gate and two trials to fit him he is a win hope given the right luck in the running. He has run time and is as good as the ones he meets here so you have to like his chances”
Then the stable lines up three in the 8.44pm Sires Stakes heat over 1700m. While Nathan doubts any of them can win he does offer some potential value in the race.
” The draws are all tricky for ours while Daisy Bay who is clearly the one to beat has a nice gate and will probably dominate. LADY DI went a top race last week but had an inside draw to help and PRINCESS KREKA doesn’t really have a good marble with the favourite inside her. ”
But while she has drawn in the boondocks Nathan,a growing fan of the filly ,holds out hopes PEPINYASTEP might get some money at odds for Harrison Orange.
“She had no luck on debut you can forget that but I think she has quick improvement in her. She has pleased me the way she has progressed. I wouldn’t expect her to be winning in a short race from out there but she might offer some place and multi value. And she will go on improving the way she is shaping”
Pic: Wat Next-Go Again