Goulburn hosts the only meeting in NSW on Thursday and Tash Burleigh will be keen to continue building momentum heading into the eight-race card.
The livewire (and Goulburn Cup-winning) combination of Burleigh and jockey Jordan Mallyon will be keen to strike early on the card.
The pair come together again with the promising Smarter Than You (TAB $7) in Race 2, The Pure Signs & Designs Maiden Hcp over 1000m. Placed twice in her four-start debut campaign Burleigh is pleased with where the daughter of Smart Missile is heading.
"She is first-up after a spell and will benefit from the run," Burleigh believes. "But she has been working really well and we expect she should run a nice race fresh."
The filly also finds a good track for the first time on Thursday, having tackled soft and heavy surfaces last time in work.
Burleigh and Mallyon also combine with Tulla Park ($17) in Race 7 on the card, the Goulburn Post 4YO & Up B66 Handicap. His trainer says they are still testing the water about his scope to run further than six furlongs.
"We are having a go over 1300m and his last two runs have been a bit luckless, but we are still yet to be convinced he runs further than 1200m."
Despite a poor draw and a weight rise for Thursday's assignment, Burleigh remains upbeat about the three-time winner from nine starts: "I can't fault him at home! Just hoping he gets away well and gives us a cheer."
In Race 4, a Heat of The Rising Star over 1200m, Burleigh and in form apprentice Jackson Searle search for better with the outsider of the field Love A Diamond, a former Northern Rivers galloper she has only had for one start.
"She steps up to 1200m second up. I thought she would have finished closer last start, however, it wasn't the case. Hoping the mare gets away well and puts in a good one at her home track."
Burleigh was stoked to qualify To The Nines for the Newhaven Park Country Championships Final last Sunday, having gone within a short head of winning the main event two years ago with stable stalwart and two-time Goulburn Cup winner Al Mah Haha.
"To The Nines has pulled up great from his courageous effort on Sunday. It was something the owners had been hoping he could do even before his first race start. So it's a big thrill for all involved that he is a contender.
"He still has a lot of maturing to do and I'm glad he's made it this year. We always hoped this horse could make it to the Country Championships Final and we're going, so it's good."
Burleigh believes keeping him on the fresh side is the right approach with To The Nines so she'll be taking a 'less is best' approach with him between now and the final at Royal Randwick on April 2.
To The Nines is currently $51 with the TAB to win this year's final…stranger things have happened in racing! The Newhaven Park Country Championships heads to Wagga for Heat 3 this Saturday.
Goulburn's track is currently rated a Good 4 for Thursday's eight-race card.
