Feature racing heads to the Hunter Valley this week as the two day Scone Cup Carnival looms large.
We kick off on Friday with an eight race card that will be headlined by the running of the Listed Scone Cup.
A full field will assemble for the $200k prize money on offer as well as a guaranteed place in the $3m The Big Dance that will be run at Royal Randwick on Melbourne Cup Day.
I’ve had a close look at all events on the program and my thoughts can be found below in 2025 Scone Cup preview.
Race 1 - 12:20pm AEST
SCONE RSL MAIDEN HANDICAP (1000 METRES)
I Am Brave will make her raceday debut and the filly looks ready to go following two very pleasing trial performances.
The daughter of I Am Invincible was strong through the line when winning a 740m heat at Warwick Farm late last month and again over 900m at Rosehill, she was doing her best work late.
Jason Collett was onboard in both heats and he’s sure to afford her every chance here off the inside draw.
1 unit – I AM BRAVE
Race 2 - 12:55pm AEST
PRYDE'S COUNTRY BOOSTED MAIDEN PLATE SW (1300 METRES)
Solitario kicks off his campaign.
The son off Pariah just had the one start in his first preparation where he finished off nicely over 1100m at Armidale to claim second.
Given time, he returns here off a solid 1000m trial and the 1300m kick off looks ideal.
Aaron Bullock partnered him on debut and he stays aboard for Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich.
3 units – SOLITARIO
Race 3 - 1:35pm AEST
INGLIS 2YO CHALLENGE SW (1100 METRES)
Demi God steps out at the races for the first time and he has shown enough in two trials to suggest he can make a big impression on debut.
Prepared by Bjorn Baker, the son of Peltzer looked sharp winning a 793m trial at Warwick Farm and in his latest heat he was held together at the tail and finished off nicely.
I think he’ll be well suited here on the big track and he’s drawn beautifully in gate three with Tommy Berry to steer.
1 unit – DEMI GOD
Race 4 - 2:10pm AEST
GULLIVER'S CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1100 METRES)
Honey Perfume comes off a commanding maiden win at Goulburn and I think she can go on with it.
A filly by Toronado, she’d been placed four of her five runs prior and was luckless on a couple of occasions.
Resuming off a seven week let up, she proved far too good over the 1000m last time as she extended strongly over the final part to score by almost two lengths.
She looks an improving type and she’s sure to make her presence felt.
1 unit – HONEY PERFUME
Race 5 - 2:50pm AEST
KIA ORA CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1600 METRES)
Caltsar made a flying start to his career with a decisive win over 1400m at Newcastle.
Well supported following two impressive trial wins, the son of UK sire Calyx travelled beautifully just behind the leading pair and swept past them in the straight to score by a length and a half.
He looked to be doing it easily and I think he’ll be well suited stepping out to the mile.
Ash Morgan retains the mount for Nathan Doyle and barrier five will see him enjoy a cosy run throughout.
2 units – CALTSAR
Race 6 - 3:25pm AEST
NEWGATE CLASS 2 HANDICAP (1300 METRES)
Don’t Forget Jack kicks off for the new stable and his two recent trial performances suggests he’s come back in fine order.
The son of Headwater made a big impression on debut, scoring a strong win over at Muswellbrook and he was better again at his second outing, as he pulled away to post a three length margin over 1200m at Doomben.
He failed to let down in two subsequent Brisbane starts on firm tracks and was sent to the paddock after being eased down in the Listed Brian Crowley.
Strong through the line winning his most recent trial over 1000m, he looks ready to go and will get conditions to suit.
1 unit – DON’T FORGET JACK
Race 7 - 4:05pm AEST
DARLEY SCONE CUP LISTED (1600 METRES)
West of Africa has been placed at his past three starts and he looks nearing a win.
The flashy chestnut has worked home strongly down the outside on each occasion, finishing only two lengths off them in them in the Group 2 Ajax Stakes before narrow defeats in the Muswellbrook and Tamworth Cups.
He’s fit, he’ll relish getting out to the mile on the big track and he’ll certainly appreciate the 4kg drop in the weights here in the 2025 Scone Cup.
1 unit – WEST OF AFRICA
Race 8 - 4:30pm AEST
RACE REPLAYS HANDICAP BM70 (1000 METRES)
The Dramatist has the job ahead from the wide draw but he loves it here at his home track and lines up in top order following a last start victory at Dubbo.
The seven year old son of Shamus Award was doing his best work late over the 1280m at Muswellbrook two runs back and given a five week freshen up, he proved too good over the 1200m last time.
With three wins and two placings from six starts over the 1400m, he looks well placed with the rise in trip and he‘ll get 2gks off with Leeshelle Small’s claim.
1 unit E/W – THE DRAMATIST