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By Tony Megahey

Regional heavyweights Kris Lees and Cody Morgan have the form and numbers to dominate Monday’s Tamworth TAB meeting where Aaron Bullock, a Lees stable regular, has prime rides for both trainers, and so too Lees's apprentice, Dylan Gibbons.

Tamworth has a capacity eight-race program with emergencies in the majority of races where Bullock has a near full-book.

Ostracised (Anthony Cavallo) scores at Dubbo when previously trained there. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

While Gibbons is booked for an early favourite, the Morgan-trained Country Championships contender Anethole ($2.40 favourite on TAB), Cody suggests it might not run, and Ostracised ($2.50 fav) in the last his strongest chance on the day.

“We haven’t made a final decision but I’m leaning towards keeping Anethole for the Boxing Day meeting up here, at this stage Ostracised would be my best,” Cody offered.

“He’s drawn out but fitter from a spell and a trial, big run first-up at Scone and while he’s probably looking for further, he’ll be strong late.

“And he did win his maiden at ‘1000’ on-pace.”

Ostracised, formerly with Team Hawkes and then Kody Nestor, who remains in the ownership, contests the Quast Turkey Farm Class 3, 1000m with 57kg for Bullock.

“I’ve got others going okay but they’re drawn out wide.”

If Anethole doesn’t run, stablemate Kanalaide ($6), a maiden winner, is in the same race off a recent barrier trial and is drawn handily. Aside, Cody is back in the saddle, albeit slowly after breaking a leg in a horrific track accident at Tamworth in April of 2020.

“I’m back riding a farm horse, hoping to get a clearance from the doctor to resume riding slow trackwork.

“I’m comfortable enough, not 100 per cent yet but the confidence is there, it’s what I know, I’ve stayed around the 75kg and it’s important to stay fit.”

Cody and his younger training brother Luke are enjoying highly successful seasons.

Meanwhile, the strongest contenders for Lees are dual race winner Vanbari ($11) off a trial in the seventh event, Cristalino ($6) in the opening maiden and Klinsmann ($3.90 fav) unlucky at Scone in the following maiden.

At present Tamworth is a Good 4 rating in fine weather.

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Tamworth here