Leading country trainer Matthew Dunn's patient approach with his stable stars is set to be tested at Lismore this Sunday, with several key runners primed for success. NSW form analyst Adam Sherry has dissected the card, providing his expert best bets and inside mail for the January 4 meeting.
Dunn's Strategy with Key Contenders
The spotlight falls on Kingdom Undersiege, who exemplifies Dunn's methodical training philosophy. After an impressive five-length maiden win at Ballina on January 17, 2025, the gelding was well beaten at Doomben just 15 days later. Dunn promptly ended his campaign, giving him a long spell.
That decision proved inspired when Kingdom Undersiege returned with a sharp first-up victory over Dazzling Peace in a 1100m contest at Murwillumbah on December 12, 2025. "We stopped him last preparation because there was a very big space between his good and his bad performances," Dunn explained. "We thought he just may need a bit of time to get his head around things."
The gelding now steps up to a Benchmark 66 Handicap over 1220m, with jockey Andrew Mallyon retaining the ride. Dunn has longer-term ambitions, eyeing a potential Country Championships campaign if the horse continues to progress.
Top Selections for the Lismore Card
Adam Sherry has identified his best bets for the day, headlined by an unbeaten filly from the Dunn stable.
BEST BET: Race 7 No. 11 - MRS GOLDBERG
This three-year-old daughter of Yes Yes Yes won her only start, a Super Maiden at Coffs Harbour on August 1, 2025. Dunn sent her straight to the paddock to mature and strengthen. She returns in a Class 1 Handicap over 1120m following a nice trial win on December 12. "She is probably my best chance for the day," Dunn stated confidently, indicating she has improved significantly.
NEXT BEST: Race 4 No. 5 - ARTIE LADY
Another Dunn-trained three-year-old, Artie Lady, seeks back-to-back wins in the Benchmark 58 Handicap over 1420m. After a luckless first-up run at Coffs Harbour, she scored a strong victory over Zosma at Lismore on December 19. Dunn believes she faces a race without huge depth and is a great chance from a good barrier draw.
VALUE BET: Race 6 No. 3 - DIZZY DEE
Dizzy Dee won three in a row at Grafton before finding metropolitan grade too tough last start when taken on in front. She now drops back in grade for the Benchmark 66 and is drawn to get a perfect run. Sherry suggests she will give this race a real shake at each-way odds.
Race-by-Race Analysis Highlights
Sherry's inside mail provides key insights for punters navigating the full Lismore program.
In the opening race, the 1536m Maiden Handicap, he sides with Junostar, who has been consistent and was forced wide last start at Murwillumbah. Andros, with seven placings from his last eight runs, is the obvious danger.
Race 2, the 1320m Maiden Plate, sees Vostokova tipped to break through after two promising runs to start her career and a nice recent trial.
The staying test of Race 3, a 2120m Class 1 & Maiden Plate, looks ideal for Brilliant Knight, who broke his maiden last start at Newcastle after two narrow defeats.
In Race 5, the 1120m Maiden Plate, Bay Of The South is expected to improve sharply from his debut third at the Gold Coast, where he led and laid out under pressure.
The featured Benchmark 66 Handicap (Race 6) shapes as a clash between the in-form Dizzy Dee and the resurgent Kingdom Undersiege. Sherry gives the nod to Dizzy Dee with the value, but acknowledges Dunn's runner is a major threat.
For exotics players, Sherry suggests a Quinella in Race 3 with Brilliant Knight and Stynsy, and provides a Quadrella running from Races 4 through 7.
Leading country apprentice Jett Newman is also tipped to be a major player in the Jockey Challenge, with several strong rides across the program.
