Veteran trainer Noel Mayfield-Smith has urged punters to overlook the recent misfortune of his galloper De Forza, expressing strong confidence the four-year-old can return to the winner's circle on his home track this week.
De Forza Poised for Redemption
Mayfield-Smith believes De Forza's true form is best judged by his victory at Taree earlier this preparation, not his two subsequent luckless runs. The son of Calyx was seventh in a Highway Handicap at Rosehill and then again seventh in a Class 3 at Taree, where he was badly held up for a run.
The trainer attributed the last two results primarily to jockey error. "Grady (Spokes) got off and said he should have won easily," Mayfield-Smith revealed. "He is a young kid going places but they make mistakes. He made a couple of little mistakes which ultimately turned out to be bigger mistakes as the race went on."
Despite the setbacks, Mayfield-Smith insists there is nothing wrong with the horse's condition. De Forza will drop back to 1010 metres for a Benchmark 82 Handicap, a move that doesn't concern his trainer. "He's quite a quick horse with a good turn of foot. I haven't had to do anything with him and he has freshened up nicely," he said.
Stablemate Never Island Ready to Peak
Mayfield-Smith is also bullish about the prospects of promising mare Never Island, who lines up in the Paradox Agency Cup Benchmark 58 Handicap over 1612 metres. The six-year-old is building towards her peak after two runs back from a lengthy injury lay-off of around 18 months.
She worked home well for seventh first-up at Lismore on October 19 before producing a strong closing second at Grafton on November 21. "She has come on again since then, her work has indicated that and she is pretty close to her peak now," the trainer stated. "I expect her to go very well. I really think she will be hard to beat."
Her performance will dictate future plans. A win would make her ineligible for a Sydney Highway Handicap, potentially fast-tracking her to a Country Championships Qualifier at Coffs Harbour over 1400 metres, a race Mayfield-Smith believes would suit her perfectly.
The trainer also expects Cardsharp to run prominently in a Benchmark 58 Handicap over 1312m after an unlucky fourth at Lismore where he was held up and bumped.
Northam Eyes Feature Races with Upwardly Mobile
In other news, Scone trainer Rodney Northam is hoping his mare Upwardly Mobile can continue her rise through the grades at the provincial level. The four-year-old broke through for a convincing Midway Handicap win at Newcastle over 1600m on The Hunter Day, following three solid performances in Sydney's Highway races.
"She just needed to get a bit of luck," Northam said. "Her runs have been consistent and she finally got a nice barrier at Newcastle last start." With regular rider Reece Jones aboard from a favourable barrier three in a Benchmark 64 Handicap over the mile, Northam is optimistic of another strong showing.
All going well, the long-term goal is to qualify her for next year's Country Championship series. "You need a rating of about 72 to get into the Qualifiers," Northam explained. "Hopefully she can win or finish in the placings to help get her points up."
Northam will also send promising gelding Speedy Henry to resume in a Benchmark 68 Handicap over 1100m. The four-year-old, a three-time winner from four starts, is known for his fresh prowess and could be aimed at a 1200m Highway in Sydney if he performs well without winning.
