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| Staff Writer |
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The stage is set for an exhilarating edition of the US$1.3 million Gr.1 Kosciuszko, as trainers across two states ready their charges for the Everest Day feature. With the field taking shape, the spotlight falls on some familiar faces and emerging talents alike.
Murwillumbah-based trainer Matthew Dunn is set to unleash a potent two-pronged attack in this year's Kosciuszko. His selected runners, Boom Torque and Tribeca Star, are poised to make their final preparatory appearances this weekend, albeit in separate states.
Boom Torque, a dual acceptor, is eyeing a start in the Gr.2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill, with the TAB Handicap (1100m) as a fallback option. Dunn is hopeful for a scratching in the Theo Marks, stating, "He has to run in NSW to qualify for the Kosciuszko because he's never had a start here."
Meanwhile, Tribeca Star will contest a 1200m, Class Six Plate at Eagle Farm. Dunn is bullish about both horses' chances, noting, "They're both nice horses."
The Kosciuszko field is shaping up to be a compelling mix of established talent and rising stars. Front Page, trained by Matt Dale, is bidding for an unprecedented third consecutive victory in the country showpiece. Dale's confidence is palpable: "He is the sort of horse, in that style of race, is always going to be very hard to beat."
Front Page's preparation mirrors last year's successful campaign, with a jumpout and an official trial at Goulburn scheduled before the big day. Star jockey James McDonald has been secured for the ride, replacing Tyler Schiller who will be in Melbourne for the Caulfield Cup.
The Kosciuszko, despite its relatively short history, has already produced some memorable performances. Inaugural winner Belflyer went on to compete in Listed races, while 2019 victor Handle The Truth later claimed the Listed Starlight Stakes. Front Page's back-to-back victories in 2021 and 2022 have etched his name in the race's annals, with the gelding also boasting a Listed win in the Wagga Town Plate.
David McColm's Far Too Easy, a consistent performer with second and third-place finishes behind Front Page in the past two years, is back for another tilt. The Tattersalls Hotel Inverell syndicate has secured his spot in the field.
Dan Bowen's two-time stakes winner At Witz End and Mack Griffith's Compelling Truth are also understood to have been selected, adding depth to an already competitive field.
For Dunn, the Kosciuszko inclusions have provided a welcome boost during a challenging week. The trainer recently lost stable star and Big Dance fancy Cepheus to a fatal trackwork injury. Despite this setback, Dunn remains optimistic about his Kosciuszko chances and hasn't ruled out the possibility of a third runner.
"We've got two in so far, hopefully we can get one more," Dunn remarked. "We've got a couple more there we would like to get in, but two is good."
As the countdown to the Kosciuszko continues, the racing world eagerly anticipates what promises to be a thrilling showcase of country-trained talent on one of Australian racing's biggest stages.