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By Graeme White

Brave Maso is expected to firm sharply from her $4.60 on TAB for Friday's Moruya race meeting following an impressive first-up victory at the course on June 21.

The locally-trained filly is entered for the Swan Plumbing BM66 Handicap (1010m).

It is expected that early favourite Iconic Dame ($2.40) will be scratched from Moruya and saved for Saturday's Rosehill TAB Highway where she is a $13 chance.

Brave Maso (Jess Taylor) in winning touch at Moruya. Image by Bradley Photographers

Brave Maso, who will be ridden by apprentice jockey Ruby Haylock and will carry only 53.5kg on the Heavy 8 rated surface, was also an acceptor for the Highway at Rosehill on Saturday at $34.

The mare was the second emergency, but trainer Natalie Jarvis has elected to stay close to home despite gaining a start.

Iconic Dame drew gate two in Sydney which was a factor and her expected withdrawal has enhanced the chances of her main rivals at Moruya.

Who But Roo ($3.90) has been in peak form for several starts winning three of his past seven starts, while Design Artist ($8) was a solid second at her first start for new trainer Darryl Rolfe.

The market will change to a large degree with Who But Roo likely to push Brave Maso for favouritism.

Brave Maso is in contention for horse of the year honours at Moruya with two meetings remaining at the club this season.

The jockeys and trainers’ premierships are also close with Jeff Penza and Nick Heywood (suspended) equal on points.

Penza has strong winning hopes with Sweet Biscuit ($2.40 fav), Last Quest ($7.50), Cuban Granchico ($5), Howgoodisvegas ($7) and Get Shafted ($4.80).

The trainer’s premiership will be more clear after Friday with Matthew Dale presently leading by one over Robert and Luke Price with Jamie Stewart also in contention.

The Price team has four starters including last start Moruya winner Devilish Dude ($8).

Leading jockey Brock Ryan will ride three of their horses, while Kembla Grange apprentice Olivia Chambers will partner Little Jeanie ($26). Chambers rode her first career winner at Moruya on June 21 at her seventh race ride.

Meanwhile, after a solid first-up second Choccy Gaf ($4.60) is well placed to break through in the Benchmark 58 (1425m). Choccy Gaf was just beaten by Chairman’s Choice at Wagga and that galloper has since confirmed the form with a second at Corowa.

Choccy Gaf is up against three last start winners including Victory At Omaha ($5), Howgoodisvegas ($7) and The View ($19).

“I thought Choccy Gaf was the best of my five rides. If the track is alright he will be hard to beat on his last run,” jockey Nick Souquet said.

The lightly raced Steve Steve Steve ($5.50) is another of the main chances although he is also nominated for Goulburn on Tuesday. His trainer Teresa Bateup has 11 runners entered across the eight races.

There is some rain forecast for Moruya, but the track is expected to remain rated as an 8 with the heaviest part of the course being over the final 200 metres.

More than 200 people have already booked for the club’s second Tradie’s Day which has become one of Moruya’s biggest racedays outside of the New Year racing carnival.

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