Dropping in altitude is a rarely used tactic when mountaineers test the limits but that’s exactly what Goulburn’s quintet of Kosciuszko contenders will do for Saturday’s $2 million alpine assignment.
The Goulburn five of Front Page, Boston Rocks, So You Pence, Bandi’s Boy and Highway Strip will leave a home base 702m above sea level descending 626m to Royal Randwick with a Kosciuszko climb firmly in their sights.
Highlands horses make up over a third of the field and up until now its been more about the journey than the destination. Long range plans by Matt Dale and Danny Williams to target The Kosciuszko have come up trumps as Goulburn trained horses have emerged as the most popular slot holder strategy in 2025.
Dale’s triumvirate have had varied lead ups led by long time pre-post favourite and 2024 runner-up Front Page ($3.50F TAB Fixed Odds). Dale has kept the ‘fresh is best’ approach for the durable nine-year old, a recent trial at Goulburn the closest thing to race day the galloper has seen since his Stradbroke run in the winter.
“He’s come through that trial very well and will have his final hit out on the Goulburn course proper on Tuesday morning. His attitude is good and I’m very happy with how he’ll present first up on Saturday with Tim Clark to ride,” Dale offered.
The trainer has sent Boston Rocks ($11) via the race fitness route arriving at this weekend’s base camp fourth up into the campaign.
“He takes a bit to get fit so he’s deeper into his preparation. I thought he was really good running third in a Benchmark 94 race recently. He had a piece of work on Saturday and will have his final gallop on Tuesday. Tommy Berry rides, he’ll present really well and is in good order fourth up.”
So You Pence ($21) carries the same colours (Kurrinda Bloodstock) but is the new kid on the block of Dale’s three. The lightly raced mare tackles The Kosciuszko at just start number eight and continues to trend upward at each outing.
“She trialled well in a tick over trial at Moruya recently and comes into the race a month between runs second up with Ash Morgan to ride at 53 kilos.”
Very few added bona fides needed for Danny Williams who’s resume as a reinsman along with on track performances have helped propel both Bandi’s Boy ($15) and Highway Strip ($26) into this year’s edition of The Kosciuszko.
Bandi’s Boy returns for another tilt at the race after last year’s qualification, whilst the Randwick proven Highway Strip will be looking to translate smart Highway Handicap form into brighter prospects. Williams liking the latest prelims for both charges.
“We are very pleased with both horses here at Goulburn. Bandi’s Boy had a recent barrier trial and he had blinkers on and he went very well,” Williams indicated.
“We decided to leave the blinkers on to make him a little bit sharper and more focused – and will leave them on for The Kosciuszko. We are allowing for fast work tomorrow to finish off his week. We are very pleased with the way he will be presented for Saturday.”
“Highway Strip also had a barrier trial at Goulburn, Chad Schofield came down for the day to get a better feel for him as he is riding him on the day and he came through it very well.”
“Very much like Bandi’s Boy, his blood tests suggest he doesn’t need too much hard work, just a little bit tomorrow to keep him at this level in order to cruise into Saturday with two happy horses.”
Goulburn Race Club CEO Robyn Fife says whichever way The Kosciuszko goes there’ll be plenty of cheering in the tablelands come post time.
“It’s a tremendous result just getting five horses into the final field, so congratulations to Matthew, Danny and their connections on that outcome alone,” Ms Fife enthused.
“Everyone here at Goulburn Race Club wishes all of those involved with our five locally trained gallopers the very best in The Kosciuszko on TAB Everest Day.”
Goulburn Soldiers Club & Goulburn Australia are proud supporters of Goulburn & District Racing Club
PHOTO- Bradley Photos. Front Page.
