WAGGA trainer Chris Heywood believes Landmine poses good value in the 'get out' at Albury on Tuesday on the back of some solid lead-up form.
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Heywood believes a step down in distance to the 1175m in the Benchmark 58 Handicap will be more of a help than a hindrance, with the seven-year-old registering a second and third in his previous two runs at Corowa over 1300m and 1400m respectively.
After opening at $15, Landmine is now a $10 shot and is down in grade on his last run.
"I was surprised he was $15, the only reason I can think of it he's dropping back in distance, but he a better 12 or 1300m horse than he is over 14 anyway," Heywood said.
"He's had one start at the track and distance for a third (in February, 2019), he's drawn well (barrier four) and is racing in good spirit, super actually.
"He can go back or forward, it all depends on the speed of the race, and that's what I think suits him so much. If there's plenty of speed in the race he has a chance to finish over the top of them."
Three-year-old filly Our Baez will also make her race debut for Heywood in the 1175 maiden, and is rated a $9 hope.
Our Baez won her last trial at Wagga on December 16, and Heywood will entrust leading jockey Matthew Cahill to assess his options given she has drawn barrier ten.
"I was going to race her at Wagga last week but she drew wide. She's a nice little filly on the way up," Heywood said.
"I'm contemplating what we do. She can go up on the speed, but the draw may make it a bit too difficult.
"It would be good to be in the first half of the field and try and get in, but no matter what she does tomorrow she'll be better for the race.
"I think she'll be a better horse in six months' time, but she's been trialling nicely. She's a bit green and still working out what it's all about, but this race will help."
Fellow Wagga trainer Scott Spackman will also saddle up Alise ($21) in the Class One Handicap (1400m) and Queen Street Boss ($14) in the 1175m maiden.
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