WAGGA trainer Rod Woodhouse expects Nobby's Clock to he able to handle the rise in grade when he steps out at Riverina Paceway on Friday.
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Nobby's Clock could hardly have been more impressive when winning last start at Wagga in a mile rate of 1:53.6.
It continued a good run of form from the son of Lombo Pocket Watch, who has won two of his last three starts by powering over the top of his rivals from back in the field.
The four-year-old will now step up and tackle some of the best-performed pacers in the Riverina in the Congratulations Joe Druitt NR65 Pace (1740m).
Woodhouse believes Nobby's Clock is up to the challenge.
"He's in a hard race but he's gone 1:53.6 and he came from back a bit to do it," Woodhouse explained.
"Before he would give it away, but he just boxed on. He seems to have really matured and I think that's a bit in the breed."
Nobby's Clock has won six of his 24 starts. He won his first three races by leading or sitting up outside the lead, and his last three have come via unleashing a big sprint from back in the field.
Nobby's Clock has drawn gate four on Friday and Woodhouse is not too concerned where Peter McRae gets to from the draw.
"Nobby's fast. He can sit whereever, he can lead, he's not a one-trick pony, he can do whatever," he said.
Woodhouse will also be represented by Rhianna Reigns in the Get Well Ray White NR65 Pace (1740m) and she is one mare he wants to see capitalise on her barrier, given she will start from gate two.
"My thoughts are that we've got to go forward with her," he said.
"I think if she gets there (to the lead), over 1750, you've probably going to hold. Over 1750 when you draw reasonably, you've got to go forward. Especially with a mare that's tough."
Rhianna Reigns has run second at four of her six starts this campaign. Woodhouse hopes she can breakthrough for a well-deserved win on Friday.
"I've changed a little bit of gear on her," he said.
"I'm not sure what I was more disappointed in, the drive or the way she went last start.
"She's a tough mare, she's got to be up there. She's consistent, she's always running a drum."
Woodhouse expects both pacers to run well, regardless.
"They're both going good, they're both feeling good. I'm happy with them," he said.
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