3 minute read

Port Macquarie filly Nuclear Class can take the next step of her rapidly developing career at Taree this afternoon.

The Tas Morton-trained daughter of Snitzel lines up in the Weddings At The WPFC Class 3 Handicap (1000m), fresh from an impressive all-the-way win at Kempsey last week.

That was in Class 2 grade off a five-month spell, and earned the filly’s third win from five career starts.

It also broke a seven-year-old record for the 1000m at Kempsey, and yielded a weight-adjusted Timeform figure of 73.

The best thing about that figure is that he twice ran better than that last campaign, suggesting Nuclear Class should only improve on that first-up run this afternoon.

That spells bad news for her rivals.

She’s drawn gate two on the quick back-up, and should jump straight to the lead like she did last week at Kempsey.

From there it’ll be a case of ‘catch me if you can’, and if she kicks at the top of the straight like she did last start I don’t think they’ll catch her.

The on that looks capable of matching it with Nuclear Class today is Rock ‘N’ Rich, fresh from his own all-the-way win at this track and trip 18 days ago.

His performance was very similar – jump to the front and let down at the top of the straight. That run earned a weight-adjusted Timeform figure of 74.

Trainer Neil Godbolt applied the blinkers first time for the race and it seemed to do the trick after a pair of below-average performances since resuming.

The shades stay on for this and it could prove to be a very intriguing speed battle out in front.

If they happen to beat each other up out in front, Bob Milligan’s Slick Cookie might just be the one to take advantage.

She’s found some form placing in her last couple, beaten 1.5L by Nuclear Class most recently at Kempsey and meets her 2.5kg better off today.

Her turning the tables today certainly wouldn’t be a surprise.