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By Graeme White

Lady Azamour has fulfilled the hopes of her owners and continues to build momentum as her career draws to a close.

The six-year-old has only raced five times for current trainer Matthew Smith and will line-up as one of the favourites for the Solomon Motor Group Benchmark 58 (2200m) at Nowra on Thursday.

Lady Azamour raced 18 times in New Zealand for a maiden victory before she was sent to Smith in the hope she could win some more races before being retired to stud.

She has found her groove in Australia winning at Nowra and then at Gosford on June 10 over 2600 metres on a heavy track.

The quick back-up is Smith’s only query with Lady Azamour who showed last start she is not only a stayer of some promise in this grade, but also a fighter.

She fought back to win last time out for jockey Kathy O’Hara who will again take charge at Nowra.

“I have only had her for this preparation and she has won two of her five starts here. The main thing will be if she can carry the big weight,” he said.

Lady Azamour wins at Gosford on June 10

“There were no other suitable races for her as she needs the distance so the seven day back-up had to be done.”

Lady Azamour isn’t only on the quick back-up after a week, but has to carry 61.5 kilograms on a slow track – 6.5 kilograms more than what she lumped last start.

Fit and ready to fire again according to her trainer, Lady Azamour’s main opposition should come from recent winners Mohahna and Icksta.

Mohahna will be ridden by two kilogram claiming apprentice jockey Damon Budler who rode eight winners last month.

The pair combined to win in fine style at Canberra before finishing fifth behind Casino Time at Wagga.

Icksta, from the Natalie Jarvis stable, was successful at Moruya in April and hasn’t been far off the winner in three subsequent starts.

Icksta is one of three starters for Jarvis and jockey Shaun Guymer at the meeting - the other two being Jauhera and Kattegat.

Meanwhile, Smith will also have three starters with leading jockey Blaike McDougall riding his other contenders – Why Wouldn’t You (Ison & Co Maiden 1400m) and debutant Lily Elsie (KNK Builders Maiden 1000m).

McDougall is having another huge season riding 12 winners already this month which includes three trebles in that time at Goulburn, Wagga and Albury.

Lily Elsie is a trial winner at Rosehill, while Bush Warrior (O’Hara) was impressive winning a trial at Kembla Grange.

Smith feels the wide barrier in nine could be a drawback for Lily Elsie.

“I liked her last trial and she is a progressive filly. The barrier is a hiccup, but it’s a perfect race for her to start off,” he said.

Why Wouldn’t You has raced twice for Smith for thirds at Goulburn and Kembla Grange after doing his previous racing in Queensland.

With five placings in total from 15 starts, Why Wouldn’t You is close to breaking through.

“His runs with me have been solid. He likes the wet tracks and I have kept him fresh as he is probably better over a bit more distance,” he said.

There will be seven races on Thursday with the track rated a soft 7.

All the fields, form and replays for Thursday's meeting at Nowra