Scone Rural Supplies (Bm66)

The rail at +7m from the 1000m to the 300m with a Cutaway is a critical factor. The +7m position can favour on-pace runners who cover less ground. The Cutaway rail is the key tactical element, as it provides a fresh lane of turf on the inside upon straightening. This presents a significant advantage for horses who have saved ground along the rail and can accelerate into that gap, potentially avoiding wider, more chopped-up ground. Jockeys on leaders must be mindful of not being "swooped" on both their inside and outside.

A Heavy (8) rating ensures this will be a true test of stamina. The overall pace will be dampened, and horses who cannot handle genuinely wet ground will be severely disadvantaged. Fitness and the ability to grind through the conditions will be more important than a sharp turn of foot. By this race, the track, particularly near the rail (before the cutaway), may be significantly worn. Jockeys might start searching for better ground wider out, which would disadvantage those who are forced to loop the field. The Cutaway lane's condition relative to the rest of the straight will be crucial.

The 1500m start at Muswellbrook provides a fair run of approximately 500m into the first turn, allowing horses time to sort out their positions. The key feature is the long, sweeping home turn into a genuine 400m straight. This configuration typically gives all runners a chance, but on a heavy track with a moderate tempo, the long straight can feel even longer for those trying to make up ground from the back.

As a Benchmark 66 Handicap, the field is comprised of seasoned, evenly-matched gallopers. The handicap conditions mean proven performers like Dale, Rockbarton Icon, and The Impeckable carry top weight (59.5kg), which can be a telling impost on heavy ground over 1500m. The presence of multiple in-form, last-start winners suggests a competitive contest despite the challenging conditions.