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By Ray Hickson

Tips and race by race preview by Ray Hickson for Sunday’s Mudgee meeting. Selections based on a good track.

4. Lonhro’s Queen is an interesting runner from the Crockett yard first-up, ex-John O’Shea, and she comes through a solid effort in a strong trial a month ago. Draws one and while she’s short enough looks the one to beat.

Dangers: 1. Starpoppy had her first run for the Cavanough yard and made good ground out wide to run fifth at Muswellbrook two weeks ago. Fitter for that and an extra 200m looks a plus. Logical danger. 3. Beaconsfield Joy is another query runner, now with Brett Robb after a debut at Ballarat earlier in month where she started $10. Gets in light after the claim and any support would be significant. 5. Missile Love resumes in blinkers after two trials, one of which the same heat as Lonhro’s Queen, and looks a place chance.

How to play it: Lonhro’s Queen WIN ($1.70 TAB Fixed Odds).

Lonhro’s Queen runs second in a Muswellbrook trial on March 6

1. Goonoo hasn’t raced since he led and was reeled in late over 1200m here back on Championships Day. Perhaps he wasn’t suited in front there and a small query on the break between runs. Draws for cover here. Should run well.

Dangers: 4. Up To Mischief scored a tough win on debut at Canberra back in October. Fitter for a couple of trials and if she has any luck from the barrier should be in the finish. 3. Golden Cow showed some promise in her first preparation and should run well here, though first try beyond 1000m. 2. Zequel had his first run for Brett Robb when a fair fifth at Dubbo three weeks ago. Open to some improvement.

How to play it: Goonoo WIN ($2.25 TAB Fixed Odds).

Goonoo runs third at Mudgee on February 25

10. O’So Demanding is entitled to be a short priced favourite coming back to country grade after a handy fourth at Kembla Grange two weeks ago. Drifter in betting there so expect she’s at peak now and finds a winnable race.

Dangers: 7. Starinion was beaten a long way at Kempsey last time but it was a heavy 10 so can be forgiving of that. Previous effort was okay at Tuncurry and has each-way claims. 1. Daytona Demon wasn’t fancied on debut at Muswellbrook but held his ground okay to finish fifth there. Extra ground may suit him and he could be an improver. 4. The Nomad has a wide alley to contend with but hasn’t been far away in similar races and if he gets a bit of luck can be in the finish.

How to play it: O’So Demanding WIN ($1.55 TAB Fixed Odds).

O’So Demanding runs fourth at Kembla Grange on March 15

4. Water Lad had some specking at odds at his debut at Muswellbrook and ran a cheeky race darting along the inside to run a close second. Fitter for that, extra ground suits and gets every chance to go one better.

Dangers: 3. Call Me Terry is an interesting runner on debut and he’s hard to line up given he’s not been exposed in his trials. Any support would be a good pointer to his chances. 9. Hammoon Summer was a little disappointing when beaten as a $1.40 chance at Coonamble two weeks ago but did get a long way back. Wide gate against her but she’s not far off a win and has to be included. 6. Sacred Mistress made a handy debut back in October at Newcastle and trial since is solid. Wide gate to contend with but keep safe.

How to play it: Water Lad WIN ($2.60 TAB Fixed Odds).

Water Lad runs second at Muswellbrook on March 15

5. Capaldi is racing well without winning at present but down in class here after a sound second in the Orange Cup Prelude last week. Won at this track and trip previously and has a good chance to be in the finish in an open race.

Dangers: 8. Blue Guitar was a bit disappointing in that race at Orange when in the market. Might be looking for this sort of trip now and is worth another chance. 9. Rufus Winright backed up a nice effort here in February with a tough win at Orange up to this sort of trip. If he can continue to hold that form he’s a good chance. 1. Seahaven battled on okay when placed at Armidale last time. Blinkers off and drawn well and can be competitive.

How to play it: Capaldi EACH-WAY ($6.00 TAB Fixed Odds).

Capaldi runs second at Orange on March 24

12. Dirty Merchant ran a couple of nice races at the start of last prep then the wheels fell off a bit with a couple of failures including in the Mudgee Sprint. Draws okay and bears close watching first-up.

Dangers: 4. Osman had a mixed preparation last time in and is a lot better than his last placings at Canterbury and Gosford in the summer. Trial winner recently and more than capable of being in the finish. 6. Memories won first-up last time in, albeit on a heavy, and returns without a trial. Honest type who shouldn’t be underestimated. 7. Miracle Day scored an upset win at Dubbo first-up from a break and it’ll be interesting to see if he can repeat that.

How to play it: Dirty Merchant WIN ($3.90 TAB Fixed Odds).

Dirty Merchant’s first-up run last preparation at Tamworth

5. Rubi Air ran a very cheeky race in the Country Championships at Coonamble off a wide gate, battling on to run fifth. Right back in grade, drawn a lot better and with the claim is nicely placed. Take beating.

Dangers: 9. Nest In The Hills does need to find his best form but has the chance to now back to his right grade after making no impact at Coonamble in the same race. Best is good enough to compete here. 10. Imperioness doesn’t have a great fresh record but does like this trip and fitter for two trials. Drawn well and will improve on whatever she does here. 14. My Mate Kate is a last start maiden winner but she's found her form this prep and could go on with it up in class.

How to play it: Rubi Air WIN ($3.30 TAB Fixed Odds).

Rubi Air runs fifth at Coonamble on March 17

All the fields, form and replays for Sunday’s Mudgee meeting