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Tamworth trainer Mark Mason hopes the engagement of senior rider Peter Graham might be the key to Emotional Outburst breaking a frustrating run of second placings in Saturday's Glen Innes Cup.

Port Macquarie-based Graham replaces apprentice Clare Pettigrew as Mason is looking for strong rider to get the best out Emotional Outburst.

“Not that Clare has done anything wrong, I just wanted a stronger rider. It might suit the horse better,” Mason suggested.

Pettigrew has been aboard the former Gai Waterhouse-trained six-year-old in his past three starts for seconds at Quirindi (November 14) and Tamworth on December 6 and 20, the latter two behind in-form galloper Usain Prince.

Usain Prince confirmed the merit of the form by winning the Inverell Cup on January 1.

“Emotional Outburst just hasn't got there yet. Hopefully tomorrow is the day his luck changes,” Mason said.

“He seems good and has worked good. Barring bad luck he should just about get there in the Glen Innes Cup.”

Mason purchased Emotional Outburst privately from prior owners Gooree Stud and races the gelding with his daughter Amie.

“It took a while to get to know him but he's a quiet, good natured horse who has been in good form,” Mason said.

“Two starts back Usain Prince beat him a neck over 1200 metres. Last start he just got too far back early but he did take ground off the winner in the run home.”

Mason cannot remember saddling up a previous Glen Innes Cup runner.

“It does look a nice race for Emotional Outburst,” he said.

“El Sonador was a good run in the Inverell Cup and he looks the hardest to beat.”

Emotional Outburst, with an overall record of 15 starts for three wins and five placings, has had five starts since his first run for the Mason stable in September.