Twelve months ago Scott Singleton made the decision to relocate from his long-time base of Hawkesbury to the Hunter Valley and so far he is reaping the rewards.
Searching for a quieter place for his young family, as well as a versatile environment for his horses, Singleton found his ideal setting at Scone.
“We found a little property up here that we liked and we wanted to have that off track, as well as stables on track. It just gives you a bit of variety,” Singleton said.
“And lifestyle really. It’s nice for the kids up here and it’s good to get out of the hustle and bustle.”
The location change has also given Singleton eligibility to compete in the country-only races, including the weekly Highway Handicaps in Sydney.
Singleton took one out last week with Remlaps Gem and he will chase another with Rich And Shameless at Randwick on Saturday.
“It’s been good. We’ve won a few Highways and we’ve had a good twelve months,” he said.
Rich And Shameless is resuming after ending his most recent campaign with a second at his home track in August.
While he is yet to place in three first-up runs, Singleton believes the four-year-old can change that at Randwick
“He had a good, hard prep last time and he might be a bit more seasoned now and perform first up,” Singleton said.
“He is definitely fit enough to win if he’s good enough. I was going through the form and I don’t think he’s out of it.”
Singleton will also have the speedy Partners resuming in the City Tattersalls Club Handicap (1000m).
The improving galloper won a Highway Handicap last campaign and backed it up with a Saturday metropolitan victory in benchmark company.
Partners usually improves deeper into his campaign but he has outstanding form on heavy tracks if the forecast rain arrives.
“He won a trial really well the other day and ran right through the line. I thought he trialled as good as he ever has,” Singleton said.
“When he’s right he is pretty handy but he does usually take a run.”
