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After making all at Wellington last start, Texan Lad in the Moree Veterinary Hospital Handicap (1200m) on Tuesday can continue on his winning ways.
Photo by Racing and Sports
The Luke Griffith-trained gelding was ridden more aggressively than usual at Wellington last start and it reaped dividends as he saluted over 1100m.
That win combined with some other strong runs this campaign sees the Snippetson gelding as the one to beat in the Moree Veterinary Hospital Handicap (1200m) on Tuesday.
On three separate occasions this preparation, Texan Lad has run to a Timeform figure of 94, a rating which should see him prominent at the finish in the open handicap at Moree on Tuesday.
Texan Lad steps up to 1200m now and while winless at the journey, has placed in his two prior outings over the distance.
The three-year-old appears suited in the race being one of only five horses who sit within the handicap.
After the success of last start, expect Texan Lad to take up the running or be tucked away just behind the early leaders.
If sent to the front there will likely be a few nervous moments late however he should do enough for victory at Moree this afternoon.
Usain Prince is clearly the main danger.
The Sue Grills-trained sprinter has been sound in two starts this campaign, the latest when fourth in open company at Grafton over 1215m.
Usain Prince has excellent distance credentials and is a dual third up winner.
The son of Universal Prince comes in well at the weights with a 1.5kg claim and watch for the rising seven-year-old to be working home well late.
Connections of the above mentioned duo have done well here by keeping their horses amongst the type of company who appear better suited in Benchmark company.
A strong winning case cannot be made for anything else in the field.
With the scratching of Conroy’s Gap who would have profiled as the third elect, there is a sizeable difference between the top two horses in this contest and their rivals.
Aquatorial is probably the best of the rest based solely on a win at Rockhampton three starts ago.
His form has tapered off in two starts since and doesn’t hold a candle to the likes of Texan Lad and Usain Prince on latest form.
Fear No Other has placed in his past three outings, albeit in lesser quality open handicaps.
Whilst being some of the better value players, it is hard to see either of them genuinely challenge the top two chances.
When looking for a winner of the Moree Veterinary Hospital Handicap, attentions should be focused entirely on Texan Lad and Usain Prince.
It is the topweight Texan Lad though who look to hold an advantage though as he searches for back to back wins on Tuesday afternoon.
