3 minute read
While not initially a part of the plan for Laurel Hill’s tilt at next month’s Coonamble Cup (1600m), Trainer Rob Potter thinks his talented mare is a great chance of taking out this Saturday’s TAB Federal (1200m) at Thoroughbred Park.
Initially entered last week for her first go at the mile, Laurel Hill was scratched after a small set back but according to her Trainer, she's right back on track.
"She's spot on." Potter said. "Going back to the 1200m wasn't the plan but we've freshened her up and she's dynamic enough to be competitive here."
"She's such a versatile horse and can go in all conditions but she loves the wet which she should get here on Saturday."
While due to get significant rainfall, Thoroughbred Park has missed the majority of the deluge with the surface likely to be in the Soft range come race day.
Laurel Hill has drawn 8 of 9 under Damon Budler but Potter isn't overly concerned about the seemingly poor draw.
"She get's no luck at the (barrier) draw this girl." Potter said. "But looking at the map I don't have her too far back, there's not a whole heap of speed and I think she'll settle midfield."
"It'll be up to Damon to assess when she comes out but she's definitely going well enough to win, her work has been that of an open company horse."
Laurel Hill will then tackle the Coonamble Cup on 13 October, which holds Big Dance eligibility.
Saturday's TAB Federal at Thoroughbred Park is another great edition of the series with Matthew Dale's Danny's St Darci coming out of the Listed Chautauqua Stakes (1200m) last start finishing just 3.65 lengths of the winner.
Norm Gardner's last start winner Devine Miss and Matthew Kelley's Invertational make the race a compelling contest.
Saturday is the Hops & Hooves Festival Race Day at Thoroughbred Park with racing to be joined by the region's best brewers, wineries and distilleries.