Newy 87.8 FM – Jockey Andrew Gibbons is hoping to strike an early blow at Muswellbrook on Tuesday when he combines with trainer Wayne Wilkes aboard leading contender African Diamond, listed at $4 on TAB.
The locally-based Wilkes will start African Diamond in the Magic Millions Country Boosted Benchmark 58 Handicap over 1280 metres, with the five-year-old mare by Brutal resuming from a spell.
"I trialled her at Muswellbrook midway through last month and she was close-up when finishing fourth in that hitout," Gibbons said. "She gave me a good feel and seems to have come back in good shape."
Gibbons has ridden the mare in four races, placing in three of them. "We are well overdue for a win," he said. "She's had the four runs back from a spell and she wasn't far away second-up."
Gibbons rounds out his day with his third and final ride on the Angela Davies-prepared Magatama, at $10, in the Big Dance Day On 3 November Maiden Handicap over 1280 metres.
Magatama is yet to be placed from four starts but has shown Gibbons glimpses of ability. "She trialled well when winning one at Gosford in July and felt good in that," he said.
"I've ridden her in both starts since resuming for a fifth at Muswellbrook and a sixth on the Beaumont Track at Newcastle."
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