Neil Evans
Two classic match races between rival home-track stables are set to steal the show at Monday’s feature Scone meeting.
And for all four promising gallopers, it’s a vital stepping-stone meeting towards bigger winter and early spring targets.
On a likely soft seven surface with the rail pushed out a fair way, the opening race shapes as the biggest head-to-head battle between a pair of exciting local fillies in a Maiden Plate over 1300m.
Opening a hot favourite was Cape Cod. The three-year-old daughter of prolific I Am Invincible will have her second start for the Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich stable.
And after having her colours lowered on debut at Newcastle as a hot favourite, Cape Cod will be out to quickly justify odds-on favouritism back at home.
Seemingly standing in her way, though, is Flaunter from the Brett and Georgie Cavanough yard.
A two-year-old daughter of Tassort, Flaunter charged home late to beat all but the winner on debut here nearly three weeks ago.
The pair completely dominated the early market, with no other runner priced under $10.
Ironically, the horse that beat Flaunter at Newcastle, Oakfield Missouri from the Scott Singleton stable is locked in his own head-to-head market showdown later on the program.
A powerful three-year-old son of famed Irish sire Lope De Vega, Oakfield Missouri opened $2.60 in early betting after that smart debut, but still behind talented Star Turn filly and early favourite Starverna ($1.95) from the rival Lou Mary yard.
Despite only one win from three starts, Starverna’s form is almost irresistible.
After a dominant debut win at Muswellbrook, Starverna stepped up to Class 1 company, finishing a strong second to Chains Of Love – one of NSW’s most exciting regional gallopers.
She was then very stiff not to win a similar class race at Dubbo when charging late from a mile back after having a torrid run in very heavy going.
Again both gallopers took out a huge percentage of the early betting market, with Starverna especially likely to tackle a Saturday Highway if she wins on Monday.
Supplied by Racing NSW
