Latest News

By Tony Megahey

The form lines stand out like a motel light on a dark desert Highway for punters in a return of striking chestnut speedster Cool Storm ($6 on TAB) for Saturday’s Royal Randwick TAB episode, support to a highly anticipated Winx Stakes Group One raceday.

Trained by respected Coffs Harbour veteran Brett Dodson, Cool Storm contested a strong class 3 recently and led till late when a half-length third to Lonhro’s Queen.

Cool Storm (Matthew Bennett) lands the prize at Grafton. Image by Trackside Photography

She’s one of the biggest improvers in regional racing with four wins from eight starts and successive Highways putting her in contention for The Kosciuszko ($5 sweepstakes tickets on sale until 9 September).

The high focus runner is first emergency Kreon ($2.60 favourite on TAB) with Danny Williams engaging James McDonald and confidently jumping grades from an impressive Gundagai win in November and resuming off a recent Moruya trial.

She’s certain to secure a start from barrier 12.

However, for proven Cool Storm there's no Lonhro’s Queen and from a deep Class 3 over 1200m, she drops back to a Class 2, 1100m with the same weight 54kg and the coveted rails draw again with in-form Zac Lloyd aboard.

And the flashy mare with the blaze and a white foreleg has race fitness and upside after four race starts, all in the money and a trial.

“She’s trained on really well, wouldn't be here if she hadn’t - back from 1200m to 1100m won’t worry her and back to a class 2 and inside draw in our favour.

“It is a solid form race, big field, they usually are but a couple out of our previous Highways also ran well last Saturday.”

The Toronado four-year-old prospect has the upside of just four race starts and a trial, handles all conditions, placed on heavy at Newcastle prior to a dominant Grafton win at 1000m on soft where she led unextended.

Albury is well represented with Ron Stubbs a recent Highway regular returning with promising dual winner Brial Rose ($9) and Garry Worsnop with high hopes for outsider and dual race winner Little Basheeba ($51) with 54kg and an inside barrier for Rachael King.

“Genuine speed mare, she’ll run a race don’t worry and over the odds. She’s never been led and drawn in she can lead in better grade,” Worsnop enthused.

“That’s why we rang up chasing Rachel King and we’re lucky enough to get her. She’s brilliant rating leaders.

“This mare got away on a little girl last start, led over 10 lengths at 1400m so the stewards made us trial again and she won well.

“Previously she led to win really well at 1175m and won at 1400m weaker grade.”

Matthew Dunn has the second TAB favourite Milton Road ($5).

View final fields with full form & race replays for Royal Randwick here