Smart youngster Brown’s Boy - a faultless beginner, unbeaten in four lifetime starts and a genuine talent - faces his moment of truth at Dawson Park on Saturday night.
Since trainer Graeme Smith stepped the son of Aston Dee Bee out for the first time at Dubbo on July 24, despite having to twice deal with awkward boxes, he has not been seriously challenged.
He stepped up to 400m for the first time (from Box 8) on August 14 and posted slick sections in a five-length, all-the-way way win in 23.01s.
From just 31 starts, Brown’s Boy and three siblings have accumulated 17 wins from only 31 starts, at a terrific strike rate of 54.8%
Now, given a rise in grade, Brown’s Boy must go to the next level.
Four starts, four wins … Brown’s Boy has responded to every challenge yet punters will look to seasoned, top grade sprinter Rich History in Heat 2 (Race 2) of the new Ladbrokes Country Challenge series.
Rich History returns to Dubbo – after two Temora outings over 330m - with 17 career wins on his resume – and that’s the dilemma Graeme Smith faces.
The Paul Braddon-prepared Rich History is vastly experienced (58 starts) and has been racing in Free For All company for 16 months.
At Temora on August 22, Rich History scored (from Box 6) in a smart 18.87s and was luckless when 2 ¾ lengths third to Fyodor Bale there on September 10 in 19.05s.
Dubbo has been Rich History’s home away from home and wide boxes do not trouble the son of Fernando Bale.
While Brown’s Boy and Rich History attract strong attention, the likes of Bestow Keeping (Box 2) and Carla’s Magic (Box 3) must be respected.
An eight-time winner, Carla’s Magic steps up to 400m for the first time and her genuine pace complicates the prospect of Brown’s Boy and or Rich History wresting the lead without a battle. It's a compelling contest!
