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By Mark Brassel

A unique Bega Cup hat-trick is looming ominously for the powerful country training partnership of Barbara Joseph, and Paul & Matt Jones this Sunday.

The Joseph/Jones combination won the 2021 $80,000 Bega Cheese Bega Cup (1600m) with roughie Mercurial Lad before claiming last year’s Cup with Room Number.

The stable will stage a three-pronged attack on this year’s Bega Cup that also serves as a qualifying race for the $2m Big Dance at Royal Randwick in November.

Co-trainers Barbara Joseph & Paul Jones

Well-credentialed Manderboss leads the charge with some excellent form leading into the event.

The gelding was placed at Kembla Grange, Rosehill Gardens and Royal Randwick before finishing fast for fourth behind Banju in a strong contest at Rosehill.

“We have had this race in mind as a target for some time as many of his owners are from down Sapphire Coast way,” explained co-trainer Paul Jones.

“He hadn’t had a run for a month prior to his last effort so he’ll improve sharply and be cherry ripe.”

The Joseph/Jones stable has a massive team of 23 horses running over Sapphire Coast’s Saturday and Sunday carnival with other Cup prospects including Nieces and Nephews and Roman.

Nieces and Nephews captured the Cooma and Fred Cooper (Goulburn) Cups before runner-up to reigning Country Championships Final winner, Another One at Wagga.

He was then fourth in the Cowra Cup at Orange when he raced on the worst part of the course: “He loves to lead so unfortunately his racing pattern invariably finds him on the rails and it wasn’t the place to be,” Jones said.

“His work on Tuesday was very good and he’s a very happy horse and should run well.”

The last of the stable’s Cup trio is Roman who ran a sound race in the Moruya Cup (1425m) in his first run for four weeks.

“He will improve off that run and the extra journey will work in his favour, but he’s drawn wide (barrier 15) so will need some luck.”

The stables other main chances on Sunday include Zelago, Irish Dancer, Dodgeball and newcomer Too Sharp.

“Too Sharp has trialled well and keeps on improving every time we put him down; he should run a big race on debut.”

Sunday’s meeting is a Racing NSW Country Showcase program that offers $355,000 in prizemoney.

General tickets are available at the gate with buses operating right around the region, for times go to – sapphirecoastturfclub.com.au

View final fields with full form & race replays for Sapphire Coast (SAT)

View final fields with full form & race replays for Sapphire Coast (SUN)