McAuliffe Says Rebelson Is Spot On For Mungrup Stud Sprint Posted on January 15, 2016January 15, 2016 | Posted by Julio Santarelli A stirring track gallop from Rebelson has boosted the confidence of Darren McAuliffe ahead of the Mungrup Stud Sprint (1300m) at Mount Barker on Sunday. The Lark Hill trainer opted to switch plans and target Mount Barker’s premier sprint after abandoning Rebelson’s Perth Cup ambitions late last year. McAuliffe pulled the plug on the staying feature after the son of Snippetson was soundly beaten by Bedamijo in the ATA Stakes (2200m) on December 23. In a field of 11 starters, Rebelson, a triple Listed winner, will start from barrier four for, jockey, Brad Parnham. With 54kg he carries his lightest weight in nearly three years. McAuliffe, who is no stranger to Mungrup Stud success having prepared Spitfire Ace (2010) and Impressive Stats (2005), said Rebelson was spot on. “We were going to go for the Perth Cup, but he pulls too hard and can’t stay,” McAuliffe said on TABradio. “He has freshened up beautifully since his last run and his work on Tuesday morning was absolutely outstanding. “I know he goes well at the track and I’m very, very happy with him.” Rebelson, $12 on the TAB, is looking to go one better after just failing to pick up Dawn Approach when runner-up in last year’s Mungrup Stud Sprint. Shining Knight, from the powerful Grant Williams camp, heads the market at $2.60, but with 61kg, he will have to break a weight carrying record. The Blackfriars gelding has a strong fresh record and resumes after a fast-finishing second to gun mare, Sheidel, in the Crawford Stakes (1000m) on December 5. Champion rider William Pike, searching for his first win in the Mungrup Stud Sprint, partners Shining Knight from barrier two. Reflectance, who races for the third consecutive week and Albany-trained Dream Lifter, share the second line of betting at $4.60. Dream Lifter, prepared by Paul Hunter and to be ridden by his nephew, Mitchell Pateman, is out to shatter the Perth dominance. The visiting invaders have dominated the race in recent years with Noble Steed the previous Great Southern galloper to salute. Meanwhile McAuliffe gives Mambokadzi a big shot of taking out the Shamrock Suffolk Stud Handicap (1300m). Her last three outings have been good, a winner at Northam two starts back and she rates highly after a last-start second to Dendee at Ascot. Dendee, an up and comer from Dan Morton’s team franked the form line with a slashing last-to-first victory at Pinjarra on Wednesday. “She was unlucky not to have beaten Dendee to be honest after getting into a lot of bother and getting shuffled back,” McAuliffe said. “She is in terrific order and I can’t fault her. “Conjob is the unknown factor having won in town and must be respected. “But he is first up and meeting a fit horse who will be on top of the speed. “He would want to be at his best to knock off Mambokadzi.”
Scott Embry’s Saturday Ascot Preview October 9, 2025 RACE 1 TEXAN DREAM looks jump and run and when you consider that Luke Fernie won this race last year with Capitola off the same… Read More
Royally high expectations for Autumn King October 9, 2025 As Sydney’s Spring Carnival hits full stride, anticipation builds for the next chapter in a remarkable racing dynasty. Autumn King, the well-bred colt by The… Read More
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Rosehill Preview October 9, 2025 Race 1 We race at Rosehill on Saturday where the track will be good. Another strong card with plenty of Group racing to get through…. Read More
Waller goes for fourth Caulfield Guineas with Wodeton and Autumn Boy October 9, 2025 Champion trainer Chris Waller is no stranger to Caulfield Guineas glory. With three wins already under his belt – Press Statement (2015), The Autumn Sun… Read More
There Can Only Be One In The Toorak Handicap October 9, 2025 The Group 1 Toorak Handicap at Caulfield is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated mile races of the Spring Carnival – not… Read More
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Eagle Farm Preview October 9, 2025 RACE 1 Racing in Brisbane on Saturday comes from Eagle Farm where the track will be rated good. We get underway with the running of… Read More
Great Greys October 9, 2025 Shayne Train Williams Mandurah Thursday 7-1 Tinsel Doll 8-5 Pat Card 9-5 Miss Money Jaycin Campbell Q2 Parklands Thursday 4-2 Proper Star 7-1 Savanna Beach… Read More
Scott Embry’s Saturday Leonora Preview October 9, 2025 RACE 1 ELSUENO should be too classy for these in a Class B Trophy Race. He finished in the money at four consecutive C2 assignments… Read More
Trent Cooper’s Gloucester Park Preview October 9, 2025 Race 1 LINCOLN LOU (2) chased home Cyclone Jordy before finishing at the tail in a race dominated up front here last week. He gets… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Thursday Greyhound Best Bets October 9, 2025 MANDURAH Race 7 No. 1 Tinsel Doll She’s up in trip tonight, stepping up to the 488 metre journey. Off the back of a very… Read More
10 Of The Best October 9, 2025 Digby Beacham profiles 10 horses to monitor closely once racing returns to Ascot. 1. JOKERS GRIN As the reigning WA Horse of the Year, it’s… Read More
Vale Warren Huntly – A Racing Gentleman Remembered October 8, 2025 The TABtouch family lost one of our own this weekend. Expert tipster Warren Huntly passed away at the age of 63 following a long illness…. Read More