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By Neil Evans

A promising three-year-old who has left punters and connections deflated after two runs to launch his career can start the payback mission at Monday's Tamworth meeting.

Peninsula ($1.85 favourite on TAB), a talented albeit still learning son of long-time prolific sire Snitzel, lines up for his third start in the McDonalds Tamworth Maiden Plate over 1200m.

And all going to plan, the gelding could lead home a swathe of success for Scone-based gallopers heading up the New England Highway.

In-form rider Ashley Morgan - partners Peninsula at Tamworth today. Image by Bradley Photographers

Part of the Paul Messara-Leah Gavranich yard, Peninsula was sensationally backed on debut here from $1.72 into a red-hot $1.35 four weeks ago, but after looming to win, did things wrong and had to settle for third place.

That market support reignited a fortnight later at Armidale stepping up to 1400m, but as an overwhelming $1.45 favourite, he could only manage fourth place beaten a bit over a length.

A jockey change has been quickly made, with Ashley Morgan taking over, while Peninsula not only comes back to 1200m, but also finds an even more suitable set weights race.

He opened around $1.95 favorite in early betting, well ahead of Scone rival Xerxes ($4.80), a three-year-old on debut for the Brett Cavanough yard behind a quiet provincial trial.

Scone gallopers are set for plenty of festive cheer across the card. Both the Rodney Northam-trained pair Grandini ($5) fourth-up in the opening Koobah Performance Horses Maiden over 1600m, and tough mare Very Sharp ($7) in the feature Shay Brennan Constructions BM82 Handicap over 1000m, are serious each-way chances.

And consistent mare Lightning Speed ($3.20 fav) emerges as the one to beat in the Concrete Industry Supplies Cl 2 Handicap over 1400m for the Cameron Crockett stable.

The daughter of Akeed Mofeed scored a dominant maiden win at this track two starts back before chasing home smart city galloper Perfumist at Mudgee, the form quickly franked with that galloper again bolting in under lights at Canterbury Park last Friday night.

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