Andrew Dale is hoping to cap off a golden week with a strong showing at Wagga on Thursday, with three runners primed and ready to roll.
The week has already been a success, with Dale’s stable striking twice in two days at Corowa and Echuca.
On Monday, the ever-reliable Rockbarton Shout produced another sharp performance to salute in a benchmark 66 over 1000m at Corowa.
Then on Tuesday, the bargain-buy Rushford stormed home at Echuca, proving too strong in a benchmark 58 over the mile.
For Rockbarton Shout, it was her fifth win from just 13 starts under Dale’s banner.
Since breaking her maiden late last year, she’s ticked off wins across a variety of classes, including picnic, BM50, BM58, and now BM66 level.
“Rockbarton Shout has been a great acquisition and we feel like we’ve been placing her really well,” Dale said.
“The next option will likely be sticking to a similar grade but using an apprentice to claim some weight – she’s progressing nicely and gaining confidence with every run.”
Meanwhile, Rushford’s story continues to charm.
The nine-year-old gelding, purchased online for just $1000, has now won seven races for the stable from 19 starts.
“Rushford has been a great story,” Dale said.
“I remembered seeing him flash home in a race and it stuck with me. When I saw him for sale online, we made a few enquiries and snapped him up.
“He’s been fantastic ever since.”
Now racing over a mile for the first time consistently, Dale hinted there could be more to come.
“He’s really settled at the mile, and we’re not ruling out a go at 2000m,” Dale said.
“That said, if it’s working, you don’t want to change too much.
“He’ll head out to the farm for a short break and we’ll let him tell us what he wants next.”
Wagga in the crosshairs
Looking ahead to Thursday, Dale has three runners set to line up at Wagga.
In race two, Bellman steps out as the $4.50 third favourite in a Benchmark 58 over 2000m – the second time in his career he’ll run the trip, and the first under Dale.
“We’ve been keen to get him to 2000m, but his preparations always ended before we got there,” Dale said.
“He’s had a freshen-up and two solid runs since. Nick Heywood said he felt like a 2000m horse after Albury, so now’s the right time.
“He’s got 62kg, which isn’t ideal, but he’s in good form and a strong run could open a few doors.”
Race seven features two outsiders for Dale in the benchmark 82 over 1400m, Copperfield ($15) and Eamonn’s Memory ($14).
Copperfield, fresh off a six-week break, drops back to 1400m after five runs at the mile, where he found winning form three times.
“He was flying before the break, and we’ve freshened him up just right,” Dale said.
“The step back in trip and a bit of give in the track should really suit him.”
As for Eamonn’s Memory, a return to firmer ground could be just what he needs.
“He didn’t enjoy the heavy going last start, so getting back on top of the ground should help,” Dale said.
“He’s been tracking along okay, and we’ve added blinkers this time around.”
Team Effort Driving Record-Breaking Season
With 53 winners already this season, Dale is on the verge of eclipsing his previous best of 54 from 2023/24.
Dale was quick to credit his behind-the-scenes crew for the stable’s momentum.
“So much of this is down to the team,” Dale said.
“Our trackwork riders Kylie Relf and Charlotte Erickson provide fantastic feedback – Kylie’s been with us for years and knows both me and the horses like the back of her hand.
“Everyone in the team understands our methods and goals.
“Combine that with the farm we’ve recently acquired, and it’s made a real difference – especially for our older horses like Rushford, Copperfield, and Mojo Music.”
With form, confidence, and a little bit of luck on his side, Dale’s hoping Wagga will be the cherry on top of an already sweet week.
