Inverell trainer Ernie Berger thought Nobbys Mate was a good thing first-up when taken to the annual Mungindi meeting on July 9.
Turning for home, the five-year-old mare tailed the field with Berger admittedly concerned.
At the post however, Nobbys Mate got the verdict by a nose thanks to a powerful burst over the latter stages.
The mare was just two-tenths of a second outside the 1000m track record.
On Saturday at Armidale, Nobbys Mate will be out to continue on her winning way for Inverell owner Tony Bucknell when she steps out in the St Kilda Hotel Celebrating 50 Years Benchmark 50 Hcp (1400m).
Since transferring to Berger last campaign – the trainer and Bucknell have been friends for years – Nobbys Mate has raced with consistency and Berger believes the daughter of Iglesia should have an even better record.
“She’s been unlucky not to have won more races with me,” Berger said.
“She’s a real racy type, fairly lean but with a good temperament and good to handle.
“I’ve had a bit of luck over the years at Mungindi and we thought she could win out there. Thankfully she got home quick.
“She steps up to 1400 metres second-up Saturday which is a bit of a concern. Hopefully it won’t be a problem.
“I’ve given her a fair bit of work to compensate. She’s handled it all.
“She’s a good track worker. I’m happy with her. Everything appears to be right.”
Nobbys Mate has experience at Armidale, a factor that Berger believes will help the mare.
“She likes the track, knows the surface which always helps,” he said.
“I’m happy with where she’s at.
Nobbys Mate finished runner-up to Miss Piggy over 1400m at Armidale on January 29 and five lengths fourth to Bang On over the same trip there on March 21, her final run before being spelled for 16 weeks.
Berger has earmarked a 1400m event at Inverell on August 20 for the four-time winning mare after Armidale.
AAP TURF
