Inverell trainer Ridge Wilson will target Sunday’s Watson, McNamara & Watt Guyra Cup meeting with four in-form gallopers.
Leading his charge will be recent Tamworth winner Bucko’s Wish, which is the $4.20 second favourite in the 1300m Benchmark 58 Handicap.
The 3YO Reliable Man filly has been racing in good form, and two starts back broke through in impressive style, winning by two lengths in the 1200m Maiden Handicap at Tamworth on September 28.
Next time out, the filly travelled to Grafton, finishing fourth in the 1400m Class One Handicap, where she ran into the red-hot Airhawk, which has won three on the trot and subsequently triumphed at Casino on October 29 for trainer Ethan Ensby.
The runner-up in the same race was Doingiteasy, which went on to place at Ipswich late last month in a 1690m Class One Plate, while the third horse Steady On triumphed in a 1700m Benchmark 58 Handicap at Ipswich on Thursday.
At Armidale, Adam Farragher takes the ride, and the only concern for connections of Bucko’s Wish is the wide draw.
Wilson will also start last-start Moree winner Bundoran and stablemate Libby in the 1300m Class One Handicap.
Bundoran had Ben Looker in the saddle as the 5YO Pride Of Dubai mare followed up a run of three consecutive minor placings, winning impressively in the 1200m Maiden Handicap on October 30.
Looker keeps the ride and connections draw gate four at Armidale.
Stablemate Libby, who has Daniel Smith in the saddle, finished second at Inverell when first-up in a 1100m Benchmark 50 Handicap on October 17.
The 6YO Reliable Man mare is better over more ground and should be hitting the line strongly in this event, and will be one to follow later in her preparation.
The Inverell stable also has More Cash in action, with Grady Spokes riding the 5YO Akeed Mofeed gelding in the 1900m Benchmark 58 Handicap.
A winner at Moree, Talmoi and Wean picnics earlier this year, the former Victorian then won at Inverell on October 17, relishing the heavy conditions when cruising to a seven-length victory.
Despite running down the track at Moree last time out in a 1400m Benchmark 58 Handicap on October 30, More Cash should appreciate the extra distance at Armidale and is currently being kept safe in the market at $6.50.
It’s set to be a good day at Armidale, and with improving conditions, the track should be a soft five improving to a good four on Sunday.
With a big crowd on hand, there will be fashions, fun, and of course, the members-only tipping competition.
It’s not too late to buy packages, and for more information: https://www.armidalejockey.club/event/watson-mcnamara-watt-guyra-cup-day-3
Jeff Hanson’s tips
1: Totally Underrated – 7-1-5
2: Harriet – 10-9-7
3: Boa Vista – 1-3-4
4: Denial – 1-6-2
5: Midnight Rhythm – 1-3-5
6: Ghost Walker – 5-2-4
7: Bucko’s Wish – 7-1-6
Racing and Sports tips
1: Totally Underrated – 7-1-5
2: Smart Jazz – 9-3-4
3: Boa Vista – 1-5-2
4: Denial – 1-5-2
5: Big Brad – 3-1-5
6: Shamedy – 2-5-1
7: Of The View – 1-7-2