Most of the highway between Goulburn and Rosehill is two lanes but Goulburn trainers Danny Williams, Emma and Lucy Longmire will be looking for three clear lanes of their own in Saturday’s TAB Highway Handicap at Rosehill.
Between the two stables they supply three of the thirteen acceptors in the “highway” on Saturday and if any of the three can find a “fast lane” they should take holding out.
Williams is well known for his Highway Handicap dominance and has Volpe on the quick back up after winning the corresponding race last Saturday with the Foxwedge gelding.
He also has consistent mare O’Lordy engaged who won a class two Highway Handicap first up this campaign. She then finished a length off the winner in fourth place in The Guy Walter Fillies & Mares Handicap on her home track on Goulburn Cup day. Savatiano, runner up in the same race, has since posted another runner up result at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
Williams, who has won a phenomenal five highway handicaps in the last three months, as well as a Highway consolation race has both horses well in the market on the current TAB Fixed Odds offering.
Whilst Williams’ horses will be shorter in the market, their fellow local and last start country winner Ribs, trained by Emma & Lucy Longmire, could also make his presence felt despite tackling a tougher assignment this time around.
The tough Roadhog gelding has had a consistent second campaign scoring a deserved last start win at Gundagai over the same trip as his Highway Handicap assignment on Saturday.
Trainer Lucy Longmire believes that it’s the right time to test him in this grade after four runs back from a spell.
“He’s definitely more seasoned this time in. Everything fell into place at Gundagai last start and we are happy enough with how he has come through the run,” Ms Longmire said. “No doubt it will be the biggest test for him so far, he is fit enough though. We are pleased with how he has drawn which will suit him”. Ms Longmire would love to see some moisture remain in the Rosehill track (currently a Soft 6) commenting…
“It would be lovely if it continued to rain!”
The Longmire twins also have their staying mare Wildflower engaged in the National Jockeys Trust Handicap over 2000m. Lucy Longmire thinks that the mare returned to something more like her best form at this track last start.
“She is good on all surfaces, although we would prefer a wet track. This is a real tough test for her as well but she is at peak fitness and ready to tackle the challenge.”
Goulburn District Race Club will race again next Thursday 14th December, with nominations closing 11am Friday 8th December.
For the full Goulburn program and form including race replays for this Saturday’s Rosehill meeting, visit racingnsw.com.au
Robyn Fife
CEO – Goulburn District Race Club
p 02 48222222
