Newcastle trainer Mark Minervini will be hoping for a change of luck when he takes unraced three-year-old King’s Duty to the Beaumont track race meeting on Monday. The gelding bred and part owned by Gerry Harvey has been undefeated in three barrier trials. He won a Scone barrier trial easily in May then went for a spell. On January 4, King’s Duty won a Muswellbrook trial by 3.41 lengths and was favourite to win on debut at the Muswellbrook meeting on January 16 before being a late scratching at the barrier. Back to the trials at Wyong on Tuesday he won under a hold by 2.16 lengths. On Monday, King’s Duty will run in the TAB Venue Mode Maiden Plate (1150m). He hasn’t drawn well but can lead if connections desire.
The Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou trained Mihocek will be hard to beat in the Charlestown Square Class 3 Handicap (1350m). The four-year-old has had two starts this preparation and is ready to win. Second up at Wyong on January 18 Mihocek finished the race off nicely when beaten a length. He has a soft draw and Tom Sherry rides.
Lady Fraulein, a recent addition to the Nathan Doyle stable has bright prospects in the Reward Hospitality Class 1 Handicap (1150m). A speedy mare she bolted in at Taree last start and the rails barrier is gold.
Lightly raced Scone mare Harper’s Jewel will have the services of English jockey Georgia Dobie when she has her third race start in the PFD Foodservice Country Maiden Handicap (1350m). The four-year-old had no luck second up at Gunnedah recently when trapped three wide with no cover. Harper’s Jewel has drawn nicely and has winkers on for the first time. Dobie rode her first Provincial winner aboard Michelle’s Gift at Gosford on Wednesday.