Muswellbrook Race 1 - Empire Guard Country Boosted Mdn Plate
OUR ASTUTE LASS (12) just missed at this track and trip fresh before a solid effort from on the speed at Scone last start over 900m. That form reads well for a race like this despite drawing wide. Needs a touch of luck from the draw, but she has good early speed and can be in this for a long way. ARANDAS (6) is the key fresh runner, an unraced gelding who won a Tamworth most recently. Showed enough there to suggest he's got ability and he can make an immediate impact. MODERNIST (10) has been freshened since a disappointing run on the Acton at Canberra last start in a run that's easy to forgive. She's been back to the trials since and she seemingly hasn't had a chance to show her ability as yet. Maybe today is the day. APACHE COMMAND (4) had a genuine excuse when wide throughout at Scone and her Tuncurry third prior keeps her in the mix. LITTLE BUBBLES (5) has claims despite the wide draw.
Jockey: Rory Hutchings
Weight: 59kgs
Stats
Comments
Tracked the speed at Wellington last start before lacking the dash to be competitive, finishing sixth and beaten just over five lengths at long odds. He had led at this venue over 1280m the run prior but tired meekly and finished last.
Last Starts 19 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/12 | 15/09/2026 | 37 | MDN | $30,000.00 | Wellington | 1100m | Soft 6 | Jack Baker | 57kg | 1:06.22 | 2-3-6 | 11 |
| 5.3L | $21.00 |
| 3/8 | 09/09/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Scone | 900m | Soft | Dana Nock | 0:54.75 | - | 0 |
| 0.97L | $0.00 | |
| 8/8 | 09/08/2026 | 23 | MDN | $30,000.00 | Muswellbrook | 1280m | Good 4 | Winona Costin | 59kg | 1:15.22 | 1-1-8 | 5 |
| 6.4L | $7.00 |
| 7/11 | 17/07/2026 | - | MDN | $30,000.00 | Tamworth | 1000m | Good 4 | Nick Palmer | 57kg | 0:56.94 | 3-4-7 | 3 |
| 3.4L | $41.00 |
| 6/7 | 01/07/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Scone | 800m | Heavy | Nick Palmer | 0:49.33 | - | 0 |
| 6.26L | $0.00 |
Jockey: Grant Buckley
Weight: 59kgs
Stats
Comments
Makes his debut as a five-year-old without any recent trial evidence supplied, so the race-day picture is difficult to assess. The family has produced winners such as Okra, Thirty Two Guns and Cudmore Street, but that is only background rather than a firm guide to readiness. Market may tell more, but the profile is cautious.
Last Starts 221 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/7 | 25/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Scone | 900m | Soft | Chelsea Hillier | 0:54.10 | - | 0 |
| 8.42L | $0.00 |
Jockey: Anna Weatherlake
Weight: 57kgs
Stats
Comments
Raced wide throughout at Scone last start before finishing fourth, beaten five and a half lengths, so there is a genuine excuse for that margin. Two back she was favourite at Tuncurry and ran third, beaten two lengths after tracking the lead. The apprentice claim and inside draw help, though she did finish behind Our Astute Lass last week. Had a few goes now but she gets things to suit this time.
Last Starts 9 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/8 | 25/09/2026 | 14 | MDN | $27,000.00 | Scone | 900m | Good 4 | Reece Jones | 57kg | 0:51.74 | 5-5 | 6 |
| 5.6L | $41.00 |
| 3/8 | 11/09/2026 | 18 | MDN | $35,000.00 | Tuncurry | 1000m | Good 3 | Grace Palmer | 52kg | 0:58.02 | 1-2-3 | 3 |
| 2.0L | $3.10 |
| 4/12 | 24/08/2026 | 7 | MDN | $50,000.00 | Tuncurry | 1000m | Soft 7 | Gabrielle Johnston | 55kg | 1:00.33 | 3-3-4 | 3 |
| 1.7L | $51.00 |
| 8/8 | 17/08/2026 | 51 | MDN | $27,000.00 | Scone | 900m | Soft 5 | Jean Van Overmeire | 57kg | 0:51.40 | 3-3 | 4 |
| 4.4L | $61.00 |
| 2/10 | 27/06/2026 | 14 | MDN | $60,000.00 | Newcastle | 900m | Heavy 8 | Jeff Penza | 57kg | 0:52.20 | 2-2 | 1 |
| 3.9L | $81.00 |
| 6/8 | 13/06/2026 | 7 | MDN | $42,000.00 | Newcastle | 900m | Soft 7 | Jeff Penza | 55kg | 0:52.34 | 6-6 | 6 |
| 3.1L | $101.00 |
| 7/7 | 28/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Wyong | 845m | Good | Gabrielle Johnston | 0:51.86 | - | 0 |
| 7.05L | $0.00 |
Jockey: Gabrielle Johnston
Weight: 57kgs
Stats
Comments
Has been honest in two recent fourths, most recently at Armidale where she was beaten just over half a length after beginning well and working home evenly. She had earlier finished fourth at this venue despite an awkward start and bumping. Won't be far away.
Last Starts 14 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/9 | 20/09/2026 | 12 | MDN | $30,000.00 | Armidale | 1100m | Good 3 | Anna Weatherlake | 52kg | 1:05.55 | 2-1-4 | 1 |
| 0.6L | $4.40 |
| 4/7 | 08/09/2026 | 22 | MDN | $30,000.00 | Muswellbrook | 1000m | Good 4 | Gabrielle Johnston | 55kg | 0:57.09 | 5-4-4 | 3 |
| 1.3L | $21.00 |
| 8/8 | 17/08/2026 | 336 | MDN | $30,000.00 | Scone | 1100m | Soft 5 | Andrew Gibbons | 57kg | 1:03.83 | 3-2-8 | 1 |
| 16.0L | $31.00 |
| 5/11 | 15/09/2025 | 13 | MDN | $30,000.00 | Muswellbrook | 1000m | Good 4 | Andrew Gibbons | 57kg | 0:56.34 | 5-5-5 | 5 |
| 3.0L | $51.00 |
| 8/11 | 02/09/2025 | 238 | MDN FM | $27,000.00 | Scone | 1100m | Good 4 | Shae Wilkes | 56.5kg | 1:04.61 | 3-3-8 | 10 |
| 5.7L | $31.00 |
| 11/11 | 07/01/2025 | 16 | MDN | $30,000.00 | Taree | 1000m | Soft 5 | Christian Reith | 55.5kg | 0:58.18 | 4-4-11 | 5 |
| 7.2L | $5.00 |
| 3/6 | 26/03/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Taree | 1000m | Heavy | Shae Wilkes | 0:59.79 | - | 0 |
| 5.36L | $0.00 |
Jockey: Mikayla Weir
Weight: 56.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Debuts with a useful trial base, having had four trials and won the latest over 1000m at Tamworth by 0.48 lengths. That came 12 days ago, so there is at least recent public evidence of readiness. Mikayla Weir rides and has a strong track profile, which adds to the appeal. Nice trial coming in and he can play a leading role.
Last Starts 11 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/5 | 23/09/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Tamworth | 1000m | Good | Mikayla Weir | 1:00.20 | - | 0 |
| 0.48L | $0.00 | |
| 5/7 | 09/09/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Scone | 900m | Soft | Tony Williams | 0:55.28 | - | 0 |
| 5.75L | $0.00 | |
| 6/7 | 10/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Scone | 1000m | Soft | Mikayla Weir | 1:00.96 | - | 0 |
| 5.21L | $0.00 | |
| 4/6 | 06/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Muswellbrook | 800m | Soft | Reece Jones | 0:48.99 | - | 0 |
| 10.32L | $0.00 |
Jockey: Adam Farragher
Weight: 56.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Returns from a lengthy spell after ending last campaign with a sixth in a 2yo Open at Dubbo on heavy ground, where he made some ground late despite being beaten six and a half lengths. His fourth in a 2yo Open at Gunnedah two back was better, beaten just over two lengths on soft ground. Yet to place at 1000m, but his Gunnedah fourth reads well enough for multiples.
Last Starts 121 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/7 | 05/06/2026 | 12 | OPEN 2 | $40,000.00 | Dubbo | 1100m | Heavy 9 | Grant Buckley | 55.5kg | 1:03.78 | 4-4-6 | 1 |
| 6.5L | $17.00 |
| 4/10 | 24/05/2026 | 23 | OPEN 2 | $30,000.00 | Gunnedah | 1000m | Soft 5 | Grant Buckley | 56kg | 0:57.52 | 2-5-4 | 8 |
| 2.2L | $31.00 |
| 6/7 | 01/05/2026 | - | OPEN CG 2 | $35,000.00 | Muswellbrook | 1000m | Good 4 | Jake Pracey-Holmes | 57kg | 0:56.86 | 4-4-6 | 1 |
| 8.1L | $91.00 |
| 4/7 | 22/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Muswellbrook | 800m | Soft | Daniel Northey | 0:49.17 | - | 0 |
| 1.08L | $0.00 |
Jockey: Clayton Gallagher
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Returns from a lengthy spell after a plain finish to last campaign, ending with a last in a 2yo Open at Dubbo where she was beaten over 14 lengths and failed to close off. She had also been seventh at Gunnedah the run prior after being handy enough but unable to finish the race off. Others bring stronger claims.
Last Starts 121 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/7 | 05/06/2026 | 12 | OPEN 2 | $40,000.00 | Dubbo | 1100m | Heavy 9 | Jake Pracey-Holmes | 55kg | 1:03.78 | 5-5-7 | 3 |
| 13.6L | $81.00 |
| 7/10 | 24/05/2026 | 23 | OPEN 2 | $30,000.00 | Gunnedah | 1000m | Soft 5 | Jenny Duggan | 55kg | 0:57.52 | 7-8-7 | 6 |
| 4.3L | $20.00 |
| 8/9 | 01/05/2026 | 19 | OPEN F 2 | $35,000.00 | Muswellbrook | 1000m | Good 4 | Jake Pracey-Holmes | 57kg | 0:58.19 | 1-1-8 | 3 |
| 3.1L | $71.00 |
| 13/14 | 12/04/2026 | - | OPEN 2 | $201,000.00 | Wellington | 1100m | Soft 5 | Serg Lisnyy | 54kg | 1:03.52 | 12-12-13 | 11 |
| 9.4L | $101.00 |
| 2/6 | 01/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Scone | 900m | Soft | Leeshelle Small | 0:52.56 | - | 0 |
| 5.38L | $0.00 | |
| 6/7 | 11/12/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Scone | 900m | Good | William Stanley | 0:51.70 | - | 0 |
| 9.37L | $0.00 |
Jockey: Jeff Penza
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Makes her debut with only one trial listed, a fifth over 800m at this venue back in April, so there is little recent trial evidence to lean on. The family has produced winners He Likes To Party and Gong Girl, but both were more effective over longer distances than this. Some winning family, but limited recent evidence for this.
Last Starts 165 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/6 | 22/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Muswellbrook | 800m | Soft | Eloise Drews | 0:48.02 | - | 0 |
| 4.76L | $0.00 |
Jockey: Mitchell Bell
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Returns from a lengthy spell after a wide run at Canberra Acton, where she finished eighth and was beaten eight and a half lengths despite being near the top of betting. Her Gold Coast debut came in a 2yo Open and she also had market respect there before fading late. Untapped filly who can put it all together this time.
Last Starts 25 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/8 | 09/09/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Scone | 900m | Soft | Mitchell Bell | 0:55.35 | - | 0 |
| 2.87L | $0.00 | |
| 8/10 | 22/05/2026 | 154 | MDN | $22,000.00 | Canberra Acton | 1080m | Neutral | Winona Costin | 55kg | 1:03.17 | 3-4-8 | 8 |
| 8.6L | $4.80 |
| 6/10 | 08/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Warwick Farm | 797m | Good | Rachel King | 0:48.59 | - | 0 |
| 2.79L | $0.00 | |
| 8/8 | 19/12/2025 | - | OPEN 2 | $250,000.00 | Gold Coast | 1000m | Good 4 | Rachel King | 55kg | 0:57.60 | 3-1-8 | 2 |
| 8.6L | $5.00 |
Jockey: Zac Wadick
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Resumed with a third at Grafton on soft ground, beaten just over two lengths at big odds, and the run carried merit after she was bumped early, tightened near the 900m and not ridden out from the home turn to the 200m. Her heavy-track debut was plain, but she is lightly raced and has already placed with Zac Wadick aboard. Lightly raced and placed with Zac Wadick aboard, so she stays in the place conversation.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/12 | 21/09/2026 | 139 | MDN | $30,000.00 | Grafton | 1015m | Soft 5 | Zac Wadick | 55kg | 0:59.29 | 6-6-3 | 4 |
| 2.1L | $31.00 |
| 7/8 | 05/05/2026 | - | MDN | $30,000.00 | Taree | 1007m | Heavy 8 | Teighan Worsnop | 55kg | 0:59.29 | 7-6-7 | 3 |
| 11.7L | $17.00 |
| 3/4 | 18/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Tuncurry | 1005m | Soft | Olivia Dalton | 0:59.77 | - | 0 |
| 13.31L | $0.00 |
Jockey: Izzy Neale
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Brings the strongest exposed profile, with thirds at both runs this campaign and a placing at this venue two starts back when beaten just over a length. She was again third at Scone last week after travelling well to the turn, and her record of two placings from three starts shows she is close to breaking through. Needs a touch of luck from the draw but her form this time in stacks right up.
Last Starts 9 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 25/09/2026 | 17 | MDN | $27,000.00 | Scone | 900m | Good 4 | Izzy Neale | 55kg | 0:51.74 | 2-2 | 7 |
| 4.1L | $26.00 |
| 3/7 | 08/09/2026 | 145 | MDN | $30,000.00 | Muswellbrook | 1000m | Good 4 | Izzy Neale | 55kg | 0:57.09 | 2-3-3 | 5 |
| 1.3L | $10.00 |
| 3/7 | 19/08/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Muswellbrook | 800m | Good | Izzy Neale | 0:46.44 | - | 0 |
| 0.35L | $0.00 | |
| 4/8 | 16/04/2026 | - | MDN FM | $27,000.00 | Armidale | 1100m | Good 4 | Mikayla Weir | 55kg | 1:05.42 | 4-4-4 | 1 |
| 4.8L | $3.20 |
| 2/8 | 01/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Scone | 900m | Soft | Mikayla Weir | 0:52.91 | - | 0 |
| 4.3L | $0.00 |