Punters should have a close look at Dubbo on Friday because they may well see the winner of a $200,000 race at Randwick in two weeks time on display.
With a couple of value chances added to the good thing it looks a solid day of punting in the Central West. GALAXY WARRIOR (Race 8 No 2)
There is little doubt connections of the Gayna Williams-trained Galaxy Warrior had their sights set on the $200,00 Anniversary Highway Benchmark 80 Handicap (1400m) to be held at Randwick on Everest Day October 14 from the moment the race was launched.
The race celebrates two years of Highway Handicaps and is restricted to horses that have contested any Highway Handicap since October 17, 2015.
Galaxy Warrior has contested two Highways finishing runner-up on both occasions.
Galaxy Warrior returned to racing at Rosehill on September 9 and was made a Racenet blackbooker despite the gelding finishing ninth and over four-lengths from the winner Wayanka but there was plenty of merit in the run.
Jumping from barrier 13, Galaxy Warrior had to go back to the rear of the field to find cover but did his best work late with his last 600m sectional (33.94) only marginally behind the winner who recorded the quickest last 600m (33.90).
That’s a solid form reference for an open handicap at Dubbo and expecting Galaxy Warrior to win the Air Pelican Dubbo Spring Handicap and come right into the calculations for the Anniversary Highway.
COROGLEN (Race 7 No 8)
The race sets up perfectly for the Justin W Stanley-trained Coroglen who is chasing a hat-trick of wins after victories at Dubbo and Wellington recently.
With the scratching of Joey's Destiny, Coroglen should get a comfortable lead and on paper maps to have an easy enough time of it up front to get the money here.
LAUGHARNE (Race 4 No 3)
Laugharne from the Brian Young stable at Dubbo is not the most reliable horse in training with just six wins from 82 starts but it’s a long time since the mare has contested a weaker field than what she opposes in the Gift Closet Benchmark 50 Handicap (2200m).
In fact, you need to go back to 2014 in the early stages of her career to find the last time Laugharne contested such a low class of race.
This is a horse that has won in open company with a Cotton Cup from Warren on the owner’s mantelpiece.
It is worth noting Laugharne’s last win was at Wagga on July 18 when she dropped back to benchmark 55 company but has been well beaten in five subsequent starts in stronger grade.
Laugharne is worth having something on at $8.50 in early betting back to a benchmark 50 handicap on her home track.
