By John Schell
John Thompson has a number of leading chances going around at Newcastle on Sunday headed by Emmadella in the AON United Midway Class 1 Handicap (1400m),
“She’s my best chance going around,” said Thompson.
John Thompson with his 2020 Hunter trophy. (Pic: Steve Hart)
Emmadella has only had four starts and ran a solid fourth on debut at Warwick Farm and then was spelled.
She’s since finished third at Newcastle before winning at Kembla Grange and then being a close-up second at Wyong.
“Emmadella is showing plenty of potential,” said Thompson.
“The form out of her first start at Warwick Farm has been pretty strong.
“She’s been great in her three runs since then and that included a win at Kembla Grange. I think she is the best chance I have on Sunday and I’d be disappointed if she didn’t run very well.”
Thompson will also have recent stable acquisition Bobby Is King lining up in the Lexus Of Newcastle 3YO & Up Maiden Handicap (900m).
“He’s a horse having his first start for our stable,” said Thompson.
“He had a tendon injury and had a bit of time off.
“I’ve got him going really well now and everything was going good with him before he joined me. His form was pretty good at his initial campaign and his trials have been good as well.
“The 900m should suit him and I’d expect he’d run pretty well.”
Thompson will round out the day at Newcastle with two runners in The Hunter Community Race Day Maiden Plate (1500m).
“Our Uptown Girl is a filly that is racing very well and Reece Jones is on her and he’s riding in great form,” said Thompson.
“She’s drawn perfectly in barrier three and she should be right in the finish.’
Thompson also has Cannavaro in the final event at Newcastle, and he said the gelding may need more time.
“He seems to be a nice horse but he will better over later over longer,” said Thompson.
“He might sprint well fresh this weekend but he will be a lot better later on.
“They both should run well but Our Uptown Girl looks the best of the two.”
All the fields, form and replays for Sunday's Newcastle meeting