By Tony Megahey
Garry Lunn’s Dubbo stable continues to tick over productively after 20 winners last season, and the eldest of six racing brothers is confident he offers value with little known interstate additions at Sunday’s Narromine TAB meeting.
Lunn, a former jockey, has six starters throughout the eight-race TAB programme and is happy to utilise former South Australian apprentice Brandon Griffiths. The 21-year-old has ridden 57 winners in his home state, three in the city and is now indentured to Bronwyn Mackie at Hawkesbury.
However typically Greg Ryan will carry the bulk of punters money with several form favourites in another prolific regional season. The record breaking veteran again has a full book with last start winners A Martin Placepick in the third race and The Rouseabout in the last event standouts.
“Greg is always the man to beat but this Griffiths kid rides really well, I’ve used him before and happy to have him on a couple of chances,” Garry enthused.
Lunn has hopes for recently acquired former Anthony Cummings and Henry Dwyer discards in Silk Topper (race two) and Sacred Archer (race four). However, Lunn says his best for the day is highly consistent three-race winner, Victare who contests the Narromine Shire Council, BM 63 (1300m) for Griffiths.
Victare won at Dubbo two starts ago. Credit - Janian McMillan - Sarsfield Thoroughbreds.
“He should have bolted in last start at Warren, Brandon just had no luck whatsoever, not his fault the gaps just kept closing,” Lunn explained. “But check the replay; he came from a ‘mile back’, just cruel. Experience on different regional tracks is always so important. “But this gelding won really well at home previously and out to 1300m from a good gate is ideal.”
Garry says maidens Audio Bay and Sacred Archer can be competitive in the 2DU/ZooFM Maiden (800m).
“Sacred Archer had just the one run for Dwyer off a trial but it’s shown me a really good turn of foot and can run a race,” he said. “It’s a hard goer and we’ve tried some gear changes.
“Audio Bay has above average ability but might find it too short at this stage.”
Speedy last start Wellington 1100m winner Eye Saw is a leading contender to be ridden by Griffiths in the Aquawest Narromine BM 66 (800m).
“He’s quirky and got a bit of age, but this gelding goes pretty good,” Garry said. “He led and won well last start and he’s contested a couple of hot trials recently to keep him up to the mark. There’s some decent form in the race, but with Brandon’s claim we’re really well under the limit as he won with 57kg in easier grade.”
Meanwhile the best news for Lunn and the Central Districts’ thriving racing community was recent rains in the area.
“It sure was a blessing, we’re on the edge of it, but as you know it was badly needed and we hope for more.”
Narromine at present is rated a good four track and fine weather is forecast.
View the fields and form (including race replays) for Sunday's Narromine Cup meeting here.