Highland Dancer ready to make all the right moves at Muswellbrook
One of the most promising gallopers to emerge from the New England region in the last few years is set to repay the punters when he lines up for only his second start at Monday’s Muswellbrook meeting.
Highland Dancer, one of the mares of the famous six-time Group 1 winner Highland Reel from the Stirling Osland stable at Armidale, made history as a well-backed favorite when she made her debut at Gunnedah three weeks ago.
Racing returns to Muswellbrook on Monday.Credit: Jenny Evans
That day, after moving back from $2.40 to a hot $1.75, he was slow to get on the jump before running lower, but then banked for much of the run home and was half a length late.
It was an expensive entry into racing, but with more training, stepping up the distance and moving on to a much bigger tour, Highland Dancer is ready to repay his faith.
Certainly early Sunday, especially as the track was likely to be deep in the soft range, she was taking few, if any, chances despite the mares scratching the outside barrier placing her a $1.90 favorite for a $1.90 Daughter’s Plate.
Highland Dancer could target the Speedway on a Saturday or, if all goes to plan at Muswellbrook, move up to a mile for the Showcase Quirindi Cup on February 20.
Armidale’s leading trainer will hunt for a double from race to race at the meeting to capture a formidable run from his home track so far in 2026.
In the previous race – the Girls’ Hurdle over 1500m – he saddled the tough Bohemian Art for the first time since his transfer from Nathan Doyle at Newcastle.
Bohemian Art, a daughter of prolific sire Deep Field, took the final two places before steady passage at Port Macquarie, opening $6.50 in the early bets, well behind favorite Are You Kidding around $1.80.
The seven-race card could even be run in heavy conditions with continued rain expected through Monday.
Provided by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays are available at: racensw.com.au
