Trainer Tash Burleigh is happy to label her genuine mare Mosgold a bona fide 'gold digging' type.
The Goulburn-based Burleigh travels the tough as teak Mosgold ($23 on TAB) to Royal Randwick on Saturday for Race 5, the TAB Handicap over 1100m.
Burleigh agrees a first-up crush would be an ideal kick-start to the mare's campaign but also has a longer game in mind.
"We hope this prep will see her excel again," Burleigh stated.
"'Moss' has come back in great order, it's certainly nice to have her back in the stables and ready to head to the races."
This time last year Burleigh's mare was winning two on the bump in country grade.
That set the platform for a terrific run of results later in the year, proving not just her durability but a calibre of upside that owners dream of.
"She's just an unassuming little chestnut mare and each preparation she has become more and more of a racehorse!" Burleigh added.
Mosgold's 'handy to the speed' style secured three placings and another two wins in her previous six-start campaign.
As part of that consistent cash collect she won the Newgate Farm Guy Walter on Goulburn Cup Day and then outpaced a strong TAB Highway Handicap line up at headquarters pre-Christmas.
However, since then Burleigh had had to take stock and reassess with her.
"She unfortunately had some forced time off due to a rogue abscess in her hoof. It saw her miss out on trying to qualify for the Country Championships earlier this year."
Despite finding a genuine jump off race at headquarters on Saturday with apprentice Amy McLucas to steer, Burleigh remains convinced Mosgold is ready to return to racing in great order.
"She's come through her trial and trip away to Moruya a fortnight ago really well. And although this is a bold move, racing first up on a Saturday.
"The soft draw and 2kg claim should hopefully put her in good stead.
"I will let Amy be the judge on where she is most comfortable from the jump as far as tactics go, 'Moss' usually likes a little more ground, so the 1100m might be a tad sharp, but I do hope we see a nice positive run."
Burleigh knows how to peak a horse for a big occasion, having won two Goulburn Cups and qualified for the Newhaven Park Country Championships final multiple times.
That's the sort of resume that should pique interest for potential The Kosciuszko slot holders with Burleigh referencing the in-form Pokerjack as a real 'Kossie' prospect.
"I have to give Pokerjack a plug. His owners wouldn't forgive me if I didn't," Burleigh laughed. "Pokerjack will be having a throw at The Kosciuszko stumps this October.
"He's won and been placed in metropolitan grade this preparation, and in the past, has won three Highways and open country races.
"With a little more maturity on his side now, he is flourishing into the racehorse we've been working hard to create.
"We hope his next few starts will be just as consistent and he can be considered a Kosciuszko contender.
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