Blues happy to give Luai time to beat infection
NSW would be willing to give a hospitalised Jarome Luai until late in the week to overcome an infection, wanting him training by Thursday ahead of State of Origin III.
Luai was desperately missed by the Tigers in their 28-10 loss to Manly on Friday night, after being ruled out on the morning of the game.
The 28-year-old skipped training on Thursday with an infection from a boil, before needing to be hospitalised with fevers.
The four-time premiership winner took to Instagram on Saturday to share a story that said "God, thank you for waking me up today", with a caption that read "back up and go again".
NSW coach Laurie Daley will name his team for the July 9 Origin decider on Sunday, and it is expected Luai will be picked in the No.6 jersey.
AAP understands the Blues would be happy to bring Luai into camp if he was not ready to train, and would be fine with him not taking to the field in their first session on Wednesday.
But NSW officials would want him to be fit for Thursday's training run, which usually serves as an opposed run where preparations ramp up for game day.
The Tigers painted an optimistic picture over Luai's health on Friday night, believing he could have played if the game was later in the weekend.
"I am pretty sure he will be OK for NSW if they pick him," coach Benji Marshall said on Friday night.
"He got an infection yesterday and didn't come to training. He said he was going to be all right to play.
"And then he went to hospital and had fevers and the infection got a lot worse.
"If it was another 24 or 48 hours Jarome would have been right to play. But he wasn't good for today."
But while the Tigers missed Luai in attack, his availability for the Blues at Accor Stadium in a week and a half is crucial.
Mitch Moses is still out with a calf injury after being hurt in camp for game two, prompting Luai's return to the side.
Fellow half Nathan Cleary will be fit to play, after kicking freely in general play in Penrith's win over Canterbury on Thursday night with his sore groin.
Cleary is yet to resume goal-kicking after hearing a pop in his groin on the day before Origin II, and has avoided questions on whether he will in Origin III.
NSW have already had Matt Burton as back-up half for Origin II, and he appears the most likely to be on standby for Luai and Cleary next week.
Serious concerns also remain around winger Brian To'o, who had scans on his left knee on Saturday afternoon.
To'o hurt his knee in the Panthers' win on Thursday night, and left CommBank Stadium with ice on it.
"I'm still walking, that's the main positive sign," To'o said as he left the ground on Thursday night.
"I think it might've happened during the game. Either way I'm all good ... It's good."
If To'o is unavailable for the series decider at Accor Stadium, Canterbury winger Jacob Kiraz would be the clear front-runner to replace him.
Kiraz was in line to start the series for the Blues before a calf injury ruled him out. He also came in as cover when To'o battled a hamstring injury before Origin II.
NSW would be willing to give a hospitalised Jarome Luai until late in the week to overcome an infection, wanting him training by Thursday ahead of State of Origin III.
Luai was desperately missed by the Tigers in their 28-10 loss to Manly on Friday night, after being ruled out on the morning of the game.
The 28-year-old skipped training on Thursday with an infection from a boil, before needing to be hospitalised with fevers.
The four-time premiership winner took to Instagram on Saturday to share a story that said "God, thank you for waking me up today", with a caption that read "back up and go again".
NSW coach Laurie Daley will name his team for the July 9 Origin decider on Sunday, and it is expected Luai will be picked in the No.6 jersey.
AAP understands the Blues would be happy to bring Luai into camp if he was not ready to train, and would be fine with him not taking to the field in their first session on Wednesday.
But NSW officials would want him to be fit for Thursday's training run, which usually serves as an opposed run where preparations ramp up for game day.
The Tigers painted an optimistic picture over Luai's health on Friday night, believing he could have played if the game was later in the weekend.
"I am pretty sure he will be OK for NSW if they pick him," coach Benji Marshall said on Friday night.
"He got an infection yesterday and didn't come to training. He said he was going to be all right to play.
"And then he went to hospital and had fevers and the infection got a lot worse.
"If it was another 24 or 48 hours Jarome would have been right to play. But he wasn't good for today."
But while the Tigers missed Luai in attack, his availability for the Blues at Accor Stadium in a week and a half is crucial.
Mitch Moses is still out with a calf injury after being hurt in camp for game two, prompting Luai's return to the side.
Fellow half Nathan Cleary will be fit to play, after kicking freely in general play in Penrith's win over Canterbury on Thursday night with his sore groin.
Cleary is yet to resume goal-kicking after hearing a pop in his groin on the day before Origin II, and has avoided questions on whether he will in Origin III.
NSW have already had Matt Burton as back-up half for Origin II, and he appears the most likely to be on standby for Luai and Cleary next week.
Serious concerns also remain around winger Brian To'o, who had scans on his left knee on Saturday afternoon.
To'o hurt his knee in the Panthers' win on Thursday night, and left CommBank Stadium with ice on it.
"I'm still walking, that's the main positive sign," To'o said as he left the ground on Thursday night.
"I think it might've happened during the game. Either way I'm all good ... It's good."
If To'o is unavailable for the series decider at Accor Stadium, Canterbury winger Jacob Kiraz would be the clear front-runner to replace him.
Kiraz was in line to start the series for the Blues before a calf injury ruled him out. He also came in as cover when To'o battled a hamstring injury before Origin II.
NSW would be willing to give a hospitalised Jarome Luai until late in the week to overcome an infection, wanting him training by Thursday ahead of State of Origin III.
Luai was desperately missed by the Tigers in their 28-10 loss to Manly on Friday night, after being ruled out on the morning of the game.
The 28-year-old skipped training on Thursday with an infection from a boil, before needing to be hospitalised with fevers.
The four-time premiership winner took to Instagram on Saturday to share a story that said "God, thank you for waking me up today", with a caption that read "back up and go again".
NSW coach Laurie Daley will name his team for the July 9 Origin decider on Sunday, and it is expected Luai will be picked in the No.6 jersey.
AAP understands the Blues would be happy to bring Luai into camp if he was not ready to train, and would be fine with him not taking to the field in their first session on Wednesday.
But NSW officials would want him to be fit for Thursday's training run, which usually serves as an opposed run where preparations ramp up for game day.
The Tigers painted an optimistic picture over Luai's health on Friday night, believing he could have played if the game was later in the weekend.
"I am pretty sure he will be OK for NSW if they pick him," coach Benji Marshall said on Friday night.
"He got an infection yesterday and didn't come to training. He said he was going to be all right to play.
"And then he went to hospital and had fevers and the infection got a lot worse.
"If it was another 24 or 48 hours Jarome would have been right to play. But he wasn't good for today."
But while the Tigers missed Luai in attack, his availability for the Blues at Accor Stadium in a week and a half is crucial.
Mitch Moses is still out with a calf injury after being hurt in camp for game two, prompting Luai's return to the side.
Fellow half Nathan Cleary will be fit to play, after kicking freely in general play in Penrith's win over Canterbury on Thursday night with his sore groin.
Cleary is yet to resume goal-kicking after hearing a pop in his groin on the day before Origin II, and has avoided questions on whether he will in Origin III.
NSW have already had Matt Burton as back-up half for Origin II, and he appears the most likely to be on standby for Luai and Cleary next week.
Serious concerns also remain around winger Brian To'o, who had scans on his left knee on Saturday afternoon.
To'o hurt his knee in the Panthers' win on Thursday night, and left CommBank Stadium with ice on it.
"I'm still walking, that's the main positive sign," To'o said as he left the ground on Thursday night.
"I think it might've happened during the game. Either way I'm all good ... It's good."
If To'o is unavailable for the series decider at Accor Stadium, Canterbury winger Jacob Kiraz would be the clear front-runner to replace him.
Kiraz was in line to start the series for the Blues before a calf injury ruled him out. He also came in as cover when To'o battled a hamstring injury before Origin II.
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The Advertiser
35 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Walsh makes Origin case as Broncos pip wounded Warriors
An improved Reece Walsh has pushed his State of Origin case as Brisbane held on for a 26-12 win over an injury-hit New Zealand Warriors. The Broncos fullback laid on a try assist, his 11th of the season, on the cusp of halftime and also made a remarkable try-saving tackle against his former team at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday. The performance came in a third-straight win for his side (8-7) and hours after incumbent Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga was ruled out of the Origin series decider with a foot injury. Walsh has battled knee soreness of his own in recent weeks but was unflinching in his final test before coach Billy Slater, who picked Walsh at fullback for all three games last season, names his Queensland side for the July 9 clash on Monday. "Reece is ready, it's whether or not they decide to go that way," Brisbane coach Michael Maguire, who led the Blues last year, said. "I actually think Reece's footy is getting better. "He was spoken about earlier in the season about where he was at when he first came into rounds one to five, but I think defensively Reece really grew through that period." A crowd of 43,434 piled in for the first of two games at the venue on Saturday, with the relocated Dolphins v South Sydney clash at night a separately-ticketed event. Seeking a record seventh-consecutive victory away from Mt Smart Stadium, Andrew Webster's Warriors (10-5) were off the pace but then rallied despite losing key troops in the second half. Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (knee) didn't return after the break while halfback Luke Metcalf (knee) also hobbled off after Brendan Piakura, who was placed on report, folded him as he passed. Both will have scans on their return to Auckland and fears are the injuries could be long-term ones. "Spoke to the doctors, they said it could be a number of things," coach Andrew Webster said. "Two weeks in a row we haven't executed ... but so much spirit. "That crowd out there, playing in moments like that, we're only going to get better. "I said to the boys, 'A lot of other clubs would love what you guys have got'." Adam Reynolds' pinpoint grubber kick found a rampaging Kotoni Staggs for the first try before Ezra Mam's long cut-out pass put Josiah Karapani over. Walsh set up Gehamat Shibasaki on the bell for an 18-0 halftime lead, the centre's body landing awkwardly on Nicoll-Klokstad's legs as he attempted to save the try. Walsh then beat four men only to be held up over the line to begin the second half. The Broncos fullback had earlier denied Chanel Harris-Tavita a try when he somehow got his body under the ball. Harris-Tavita then missed another chance when he knocked on attempting to ground a loose ball. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck finally had the visitors' first try after 45 minutes as they attempted to drag themselves into the contest. Walsh got involved again, earning the ire of Warriors fans when he won a penalty for being taken out while chasing a Reynolds kick. Reynolds' two-pointer made it 20-6 and then Shibasaki fumbled what would have been the match-sealer with 15 minutes to play. Leka Halasima collected a bomb at the other end to give the Warriors life at 20-12. But wide-open Warriors winger Edward Kosi knocked on with the line in sight and the Broncos got out of jail, Shibasaki eventually scoring the match-sealer. An improved Reece Walsh has pushed his State of Origin case as Brisbane held on for a 26-12 win over an injury-hit New Zealand Warriors. The Broncos fullback laid on a try assist, his 11th of the season, on the cusp of halftime and also made a remarkable try-saving tackle against his former team at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday. The performance came in a third-straight win for his side (8-7) and hours after incumbent Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga was ruled out of the Origin series decider with a foot injury. Walsh has battled knee soreness of his own in recent weeks but was unflinching in his final test before coach Billy Slater, who picked Walsh at fullback for all three games last season, names his Queensland side for the July 9 clash on Monday. "Reece is ready, it's whether or not they decide to go that way," Brisbane coach Michael Maguire, who led the Blues last year, said. "I actually think Reece's footy is getting better. "He was spoken about earlier in the season about where he was at when he first came into rounds one to five, but I think defensively Reece really grew through that period." A crowd of 43,434 piled in for the first of two games at the venue on Saturday, with the relocated Dolphins v South Sydney clash at night a separately-ticketed event. Seeking a record seventh-consecutive victory away from Mt Smart Stadium, Andrew Webster's Warriors (10-5) were off the pace but then rallied despite losing key troops in the second half. Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (knee) didn't return after the break while halfback Luke Metcalf (knee) also hobbled off after Brendan Piakura, who was placed on report, folded him as he passed. Both will have scans on their return to Auckland and fears are the injuries could be long-term ones. "Spoke to the doctors, they said it could be a number of things," coach Andrew Webster said. "Two weeks in a row we haven't executed ... but so much spirit. "That crowd out there, playing in moments like that, we're only going to get better. "I said to the boys, 'A lot of other clubs would love what you guys have got'." Adam Reynolds' pinpoint grubber kick found a rampaging Kotoni Staggs for the first try before Ezra Mam's long cut-out pass put Josiah Karapani over. Walsh set up Gehamat Shibasaki on the bell for an 18-0 halftime lead, the centre's body landing awkwardly on Nicoll-Klokstad's legs as he attempted to save the try. Walsh then beat four men only to be held up over the line to begin the second half. The Broncos fullback had earlier denied Chanel Harris-Tavita a try when he somehow got his body under the ball. Harris-Tavita then missed another chance when he knocked on attempting to ground a loose ball. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck finally had the visitors' first try after 45 minutes as they attempted to drag themselves into the contest. Walsh got involved again, earning the ire of Warriors fans when he won a penalty for being taken out while chasing a Reynolds kick. Reynolds' two-pointer made it 20-6 and then Shibasaki fumbled what would have been the match-sealer with 15 minutes to play. Leka Halasima collected a bomb at the other end to give the Warriors life at 20-12. But wide-open Warriors winger Edward Kosi knocked on with the line in sight and the Broncos got out of jail, Shibasaki eventually scoring the match-sealer. An improved Reece Walsh has pushed his State of Origin case as Brisbane held on for a 26-12 win over an injury-hit New Zealand Warriors. The Broncos fullback laid on a try assist, his 11th of the season, on the cusp of halftime and also made a remarkable try-saving tackle against his former team at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday. The performance came in a third-straight win for his side (8-7) and hours after incumbent Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga was ruled out of the Origin series decider with a foot injury. Walsh has battled knee soreness of his own in recent weeks but was unflinching in his final test before coach Billy Slater, who picked Walsh at fullback for all three games last season, names his Queensland side for the July 9 clash on Monday. "Reece is ready, it's whether or not they decide to go that way," Brisbane coach Michael Maguire, who led the Blues last year, said. "I actually think Reece's footy is getting better. "He was spoken about earlier in the season about where he was at when he first came into rounds one to five, but I think defensively Reece really grew through that period." A crowd of 43,434 piled in for the first of two games at the venue on Saturday, with the relocated Dolphins v South Sydney clash at night a separately-ticketed event. Seeking a record seventh-consecutive victory away from Mt Smart Stadium, Andrew Webster's Warriors (10-5) were off the pace but then rallied despite losing key troops in the second half. Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (knee) didn't return after the break while halfback Luke Metcalf (knee) also hobbled off after Brendan Piakura, who was placed on report, folded him as he passed. Both will have scans on their return to Auckland and fears are the injuries could be long-term ones. "Spoke to the doctors, they said it could be a number of things," coach Andrew Webster said. "Two weeks in a row we haven't executed ... but so much spirit. "That crowd out there, playing in moments like that, we're only going to get better. "I said to the boys, 'A lot of other clubs would love what you guys have got'." Adam Reynolds' pinpoint grubber kick found a rampaging Kotoni Staggs for the first try before Ezra Mam's long cut-out pass put Josiah Karapani over. Walsh set up Gehamat Shibasaki on the bell for an 18-0 halftime lead, the centre's body landing awkwardly on Nicoll-Klokstad's legs as he attempted to save the try. Walsh then beat four men only to be held up over the line to begin the second half. The Broncos fullback had earlier denied Chanel Harris-Tavita a try when he somehow got his body under the ball. Harris-Tavita then missed another chance when he knocked on attempting to ground a loose ball. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck finally had the visitors' first try after 45 minutes as they attempted to drag themselves into the contest. Walsh got involved again, earning the ire of Warriors fans when he won a penalty for being taken out while chasing a Reynolds kick. Reynolds' two-pointer made it 20-6 and then Shibasaki fumbled what would have been the match-sealer with 15 minutes to play. Leka Halasima collected a bomb at the other end to give the Warriors life at 20-12. But wide-open Warriors winger Edward Kosi knocked on with the line in sight and the Broncos got out of jail, Shibasaki eventually scoring the match-sealer.
7NEWS
2 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Broncos coach issues bold Reece Walsh statement after superstar stars in win over Warriors
An improved Reece Walsh has pushed his State of Origin case as Brisbane held on for a 26-12 win over an injury-hit New Zealand Warriors. The Broncos fullback laid on a try assist, his 11th of the season, on the cusp of halftime and also made a remarkable try-saving tackle against his former team at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday. The performance came in a third-straight win for his side (8-7) and hours after incumbent Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga was ruled out of the Origin series decider with a foot injury. Walsh has battled knee soreness of his own in recent weeks but was unflinching in his final test before coach Billy Slater, who picked Walsh at fullback for all three games last season, names his Queensland side for the July 9 clash on Monday. 'Reece is ready, it's whether or not they decide to go that way,' Brisbane coach Michael Maguire, who led the Blues last year, said. 'I actually think Reece's footy is getting better. 'He was spoken about earlier in the season about where he was at when he first came into rounds one to five, but I think defensively Reece really grew through that period.' A crowd of 43,434 piled in for the first of two games at the venue on Saturday, with the relocated Dolphins v South Sydney clash at night a separately-ticketed event. Seeking a record seventh-consecutive victory away from Mt Smart Stadium, Andrew Webster's Warriors (10-5) were off the pace but then rallied despite losing key troops in the second half. Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (knee) didn't return after the break while halfback Luke Metcalf (knee) also hobbled off after Brendan Piakura, who was placed on report, folded him as he passed. Both will have scans on their return to Auckland and fears are the injuries could be long-term ones. 'Spoke to the doctors, they said it could be a number of things,' coach Andrew Webster said. 'Two weeks in a row we haven't executed ... but so much spirit. 'That crowd out there, playing in moments like that, we're only going to get better. 'I said to the boys, 'A lot of other clubs would love what you guys have got'.' Adam Reynolds' pinpoint grubber kick found a rampaging Kotoni Staggs for the first try before Ezra Mam's long cut-out pass put Josiah Karapani over. Walsh set up Gehamat Shibasaki on the bell for an 18-0 halftime lead, the centre's body landing awkwardly on Nicoll-Klokstad's legs as he attempted to save the try. Walsh then beat four men only to be held up over the line to begin the second half. The Broncos fullback had earlier denied Chanel Harris-Tavita a try when he somehow got his body under the ball. Harris-Tavita then missed another chance when he knocked on attempting to ground a loose ball. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck finally had the visitors' first try after 45 minutes as they attempted to drag themselves into the contest. Walsh got involved again, earning the ire of Warriors fans when he won a penalty for being taken out while chasing a Reynolds kick. Reynolds' two-pointer made it 20-6 and then Shibasaki fumbled what would have been the match-sealer with 15 minutes to play. Leka Halasima collected a bomb at the other end to give the Warriors life at 20-12. But wide-open Warriors winger Edward Kosi knocked on with the line in sight and the Broncos got out of jail, Shibasaki eventually scoring the match-sealer.
The Australian
3 hours ago
- The Australian
Horse racing tips: Dubbo preview, best bets and inside mail for Sunday, June 29, 2025
Former Perth galloper Rolled Gold can post his first win at his new home track in Sunday's Dubbo RSL Winter Country Classic Final (1300m). The Paul Clisby-trained gelding's tally of wins currently stands at three. His first coming at start two of his career in a 1300m maiden at Pinjarra. Rolled Gold subsequently made his way to NSW taking up residency at Paul Clisby's Central West stables. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! It is from that base that he was able to add two more wins to his total, one each at Gunnedah and Wellington. 'He's been a bit of a hard horse to judge for the simple fact that he's won when he's on the speed and when he's off the speed,'' Clisby said. Rolled Gold's June 6 run in transit was somewhere in the middle, literally, with jockey Siena Grima taking up a favourable spot in fifth among her 10 rivals in a very similar, almost exact replica of Sunday's race. Horse and rider clocked in third, an effort made all the more commendable given he was seven weeks between outings. 'He's been a bit of a hard horse to judge for the simple fact that he's won when he's on the speed and when he's off the speed,'' Clisby told The Sunday Telegraph. Rolled Gold's June 6 run in transit was somewhere in the middle, literally, with jockey Siena Grima taking up a favourable spot in fifth among her 10 rivals in a very similar, almost exact replica of today's race. Horse and rider clocked in third, an effort made all the more commendable given he was seven weeks between outings. 'He missed a couple of runs due to being an emergency,'' Clisby explained. 'When you're expecting to get a run and then miss one and miss another one, it turns your preparation upside down a bit. 'He's come on a bit from the last run. 'These three weeks in between runs has been good for him so we are hoping that he will stand up to his form and run a really good race for us. 'He's getting in well at the weights compared to some of those topweights like Missy Moss so we should see him running a good race.' Rolled Gold will have company in the tie-up stalls from his stablemate Midnight Dream, who is aiming for back-to-back wins when he contests the Dubbo RSL 178 Restaurant Country Boosted Benchmark 66 Handicap (1000m). A son of Your Song, Midnight Dream was nothing less than barnstorming when stunning his rivals with a breathtaking win at Narromine last start. Clisby's charge drew barrier 10 of the 12 runners and had only one other behind him with 400m to go. Midnight Dream was taken to the outside by the aforementioned Grima, picking off those ahead of, and inside of him, at will to score by a widening 1¾ lengths. 'To tell you the honest truth, I don't know what the bookies were thinking,' Clisby said. 'I thought they must have known something I didn't know because I honestly thought he had the best form in the race. 'Not just the best form, but by quite a fair bit, so I was quite happy to get 11-1 about him, it worked well. 'We have found with this horse that he probably isn't a real good back-up horse because he's been devastating when he's fresh. 'He's pulled up a treat from his last run and he's not weighted out of it (on Sunday). 'I think he will run really well.' ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ DUBBO TIPS BEST BET Race 1 No.4: BUSH TELEGRAPH Is one for one at the track and distance. Galloping towards another one. NEXT BEST Race No.4 No. 8: DEEMEE Doesn't win often but is pretty reliable; placed to win here. VALUE BET Race 2 No.8: POIEMA Has provincial form and comes off a lovely trial win. QUADDIE Race 4: 8 Race 5: 3, 9, 12 Race 6: 5, 8 Race 7: 1, 3, 4, 7 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW Apprentice TILLY McCARROLL has some great rides on Sunday. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ DUBBO INSIDE MAIL RACE 1: BENCHMARK 82 HANDICAP (1600m) BUSH TELEGRAPH (4) is one for one at this same track and distance. Scott Singleton brings her back here with a real sense of timing about her. That is to say that she is fourth-up here off a couple of real eye-catchers, closing late each time. REBEL'S EDGE (2) won the Wingham Cup on June 5 then went to Muswellbrook and ran well again in a BM82. Has raced well here before but to be honest, he races well everywhere. The best TOUCH OF NAVY (1) is good enough to win this. Wealthy Investor ought to be respected. BET: BUSH TELEGRAPH to win. RACE 2: COUNTRY BOOSTED MAIDEN HANDICAP (1400m) POEIMA (8) remains winless after 15 starts but she has placed on eight occasions and often in far superior company than what she takes on here. Either one of the last two placings at Gosford and/or Wyong and she's home and hosed. Won a trial at Scone on June 5. Easy to make a case for. CONSIDERED (3) gets the dual advantages of Aaron Bullock and barrier four. Don't like to be too harsh but she's been awfully costly! Todd Howlett-trained galloper EPIC STATEMENT (15) is very well placed indeed at the 1400m. BET: POEIMA to win. RACE 3: BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP (1300m) MISSY MOSS (2) is a Mack Griffith-trained mare on a hat-trick. Goes without saying, it's hard to knock such an in-form racehorse, especially a last-start track and distance winner who gets Aaron Bullock again. WILLINGA KARISMA (3) clocked in three lengths behind Missy Moss when they met here on June 6. Has a little weight swing her way this time which can't hurt. ROLLED GOLD (7) is building towards another win. Go well. CHOICE DEEL (9) has only won three from 51 but can gives the impression the 1300m will suit. BET: MISSY MOSS to win, quinella 2, 3. RACE 4: BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP (2200m) DEEMEE (8) can stay and why wouldn't she be able to stick on as a daughter of Preferment with a grand-dam by At Talaq. Speaking of Melbourne Cup winners, Deemee's fifth dam is by Marco Polo, father of 1959 winner – Macdougal. With all that said. Deemee has the form and the fitness to conquer these. Instead is holding her form especially well. Beaten at the picnics last start but drops 14kg! IMAGE OF THE SUN (3) has a good draw (three) and a great jockey (Bullock). BET: DEEMEE to win. RACE 5: SUPER MAIDEN PLATE (1100m) SPRING PROSPECT (12) has raced three times, her two runs this prep are a second at Parkes followed by a half-length third at Warren. You could make the case to argue that this is a weaker maiden than she lined-up in at Warren and as for her debut, it was won by the above-average Torn. HANNAH'S BRIDGE (9) debuts off a lovely trial. She's a half-sister to, and stablemate of, Cheap Gas who goes well. HEFTY PRICE (3) is on a quick back-up and getting ever closer to an elusive win. BET: SPRING PROSPECT to win, HANNAH'S BRIDGE each-way, Daily Double 1st leg 12, 2nd leg 1. RACE 6: COUNTRY BOOSTED BENCHMARK 66 HANDICAP (1000m) ROMANTIC LOVE (8) is a Brett Robb-trained 3YO son of Astern and a rather promising one at that. He created a huge impression when he won by almost five lengths on debut at Warren on November 10. Beaten a lip next time, third after that in a good Class 1 and was spelled. Super trial winner here at home on June 6. MIDNIGHT DREAM (5) came down the middle and right over the top to win that BM58 at Narromine last start – easily. Harder here but almost won a BM66 at Muswellbrook prior to that last start romp. BET: ROMANTIC LOVE to win, exacta 5,8, box trifecta 2, 3, 5, 8. RACE 7: CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1100m) BRUTAL LOVE (1) is trained here at Dubbo by Clint Lundholm whose tally of winners at his home track is 194. As for this 3YO gelding, he has raced seven times for one win, three seconds and a third. He was fourth in the Wellintgon Boot and a huge third in the $200,000 Inglis Challenge immediately after. As for the present day, he was a very pleasing fourth to Elson Boy in a trial here on June 6. PRESSNELL (3) has drawn wide but it might not do him too much harm. BET: BRUTAL LOVE to win, quinella 1, 3. Horse Racing Form analyst Jett Hatton provides his best bets and race-by-race analysis for Dubbo on Sunday. Horse Racing Exciting colt Sonofkirk showed his impressive turn of foot after another sluggish start to score his first win at Caulfield on Saturday.
