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Texan Lad resumes from a spell in the Peel TV Services Benchmark 75 Handicap (1000m) at Tamworth today and looks well placed to kick off the preparation in winning style.
Photo by Racing and Sports
The Luke Griffith-trained gelding raced in much tougher last preparation, winning at Canterbury two back before a solid enough run in Saturday company at Warwick Farm for seventh behind Sessions before going for a spell.
Texan Lad is likely to find this a much easier task and won first up last preparation at Scone also carrying a big weight over this distance.
With the 2kg claim for apprentice jockey Patrick Lo, Texan Lad will be required to carry 58kg and in a small field like this looms as the top pick.
Texan Lad is likely to settle up on the speed from barrier 3 and has a solid record over the 1000m dash, winning twice previously and placing on another two occasions.
Despite the big weight, Texan Lad rates on top on Timeform Weight adjusted ratings and should prove too strong for these.
Hot Diggity has been racing well in recent times and looms as the main danger. He comes into this on the back of a last start win at Scone over 900m and has an outstanding record at the trip, winning three times and placing on the other occasion.
He drops in weight and will only be required to carry 54.5kg and will go to the lead from barrier 1 and be in this for a long way.
He is yet to miss the placings in seven career runs and can continue on his winning way here at his home course.
Tomcatnaround has won two of his four races this preparation, including a good win last start at Armidale. He gets a much needed 2kg claim and stays under strong notice here.
The resuming Double Halo looks the best of the rest although his first up record leaves a lot to be desired and he will be looking for more ground.