Latest News

Goulburn trainer Kurt Goldman has opted to take Ruthless Agent to Kembla Grange instead of Randwick on Saturday, because of the state of the track.

The three-year-old was nominated for the TAB Highway Handicap at Randwick but didn't accept because of the heavy track and will race for half the stakes at Kembla.

"We have learnt he just hates wet tracks and it would have been a waste of time going to Randwick on a heavy 8 or 9," Goldman said. "I rang the club at Kembla and they said it would probably get to a good 4 there.

"I used to train there and know the track there and know the track is in good shape. I have a horse that is ready to win but needs firm ground, so Kembla was the best option."

Ruthless Agent is second favourite in the Simon Papesch Memorial benchmark 65 Handicap and a win would probably count him out of running in Highway races, but Goldman isn't concerned about that.

The son of Bullbars started his career with three wins but has only managed a couple of placing in Highway races since, but Goldman thought highly enough of him to run in the Country Championships heat on his home track where he was a luckless fourth to Pumpkin Pie.

"We have always thought he was a really nice horse and he has found wet track and ways to get beaten a couple of times," he  said. "We want to get him back winning and he will like the big track at Kembla.

"I think he is up to win in town away from the Highways but he just needs the confidence of a win. Hopefully we will get it on Saturday."