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By Tony Megahey

Mudgee’s performed all-rounder David J Smith might be vastly outnumbered by the bigger regional stables at Monday’s bumper Narromine TAB meeting but he’s upbeat about the prospects of bargain buy Simply Better at value odds.

The five-race winning former Queensland mare, coming off a dominant recent Wellington win, contests the Queb Agri Dandy Cup, Saturday Oct 19, Country Boosted BM 58 (1100m) with 58.5kg for Jake Pracey-Holmes from a cosy barrier five in a capacity field.

“Big favours drawn inside at Narromine, winning form, her racing habits and she only cost $5000 off the web,” offered Smith.

Simply Better (Mathew Cahill) scores at Wellington. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

The trainer won the Central Districts Country Championships qualifier in 2016 with dual Highway winner Distinctive Look.

“This mare is 100% genuine, but can be tardy at the start.

“Trusting Jake can get her out cleanly and into her comfort zone and she’ll run us a race. And guarantee she’s been in stronger races.

“At Orange last prep she ran a cracker off a slow start to Stefi Magnetica, and it went on to win the Stradbroke.

“This mare has held her form since, her enemy has been a few wide gates. But drawn in, she’ll put herself in the race.

“Matty Cahill rode her a gem last start, but Jake has been on her, knows her well enough and she handles all surfaces.”

Simply Better is well placed in a BM 58 as a five-race winner, her most recent at Wellington on September 2 and at that track in April.

The heavyweight regional stables of Brett Robb and Cameron Crockett amidst highly successful periods and with last start winners Zequel and Where’s the Profit are obvious dangers.

Where’s the Profit rises in grade off an impressive debut maiden win at Mudgee when a strongly supported $2.50 favourite.

David Smith has been educated by the best - before a foreman stint with John O’Shea, he was a pre-trainer for Gooree Park and Vinery Studs and had links with Godolphin.

He won an early career race with their former galloper Bezel, and he stays in contact with James Cummings.

Born in Dunedoo, schooldays David was involved in pony clubs with Hugh Bowman who was his instructor.

Narromine for a capacity eight-race program is a Good 4 in fine weather.

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