FREE Billy returns to Moree for the first time since missing a place in last year’s Moree Cup when he contests the $20,000 Whites Rural Gwydir Handicap (1200 metres) on Thursday.
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The Peter Sinclair-trained gelding, who finished 10th behind Brett Thompson’s Dark Mojo in last year’s Moree Cup, has been campaigning north of the border after his Moree syndicate, Boar Boar, left him with Elyssa Ross and then Ben Currie.
He had won at Toowoomba but had ongoing leg issues, Sinclair said.
“We left him with Elyssa Ross up there so he could work on the water walker,” he said. “She did a pretty good job with him too. Then he went to Ben Currie and had three starts for him.”
Now the six-year-old has returned to his Moree stable and is trying to add to his nine wins in 36 starts for almost $90,000 in prize money.
He has won one of his three starts on his home track and also finished second behind Mapmaker in last year’s Whites Rural Gwydir Handicap.
”He goes good. We’ll run him and see what happens, how he races,” he said, in reference to whether the horse needs a spell.
Allan Chau, who rode a winner at Wagga Wagga on Tuesday, will jump Free Billy from barrier three in a strong field.
Last start Gunnedah winner So You Know, trained by Scott Thompson at Quirindi, is the top weight and jumps from barrier nine, with coastal apprentice Cejay Graham to claim three kilograms.
Graham was at her best in winning last race aboard Jeremy Sylvester’s Lasszou at Cessnock on Monday.
Desert Marshall, prepared by Jane Clement at Bendemeer, has drawn well in barrier four and will be ridden by leading HNWRA jockey Rachael Murray. They combined to win the 1200m Gulgong Cup two starts back.
Deepwater Cup winner Carry Me Gee Gee also carries the Paddy Cunningham flag and has an ideal draw (barrier one), with Jodi Worley the jockey.
Shane Edmonds (Mishani Stealth) and Grant Prosser (Floral One) also have strong chances, with the consistent Floral One to be ridden by apprentice Jackson Murphy and jumping from barrier 11.
Only the Sue Grills-trained Polskie Prince has drawn wider (12), with Greg Ryan the jockey.
Meanwhile, Scone and Muswellbrook trainers are ranging far and wide this week as they chase more success. On Thursday scone trainer Peter Bloomfield and Muswellbrook’s Mark Schmetzer have nominated one runner apiece at the Moree meeting.
They have also entered runners at Dubbo on Friday and will then turn out at Monday’s Scone Race Club meeting.
