Racing: Southerners take on Country Challenge

There will be a Great Southern invasion at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday when no fewer than four local horses tackle the $55,000 Country Challenge Final (1500m).

Picture by Laurie Benson: Raucous Laughter will be one of four local horses racing at Ascot this Saturday.

Albany trainer Mark Nelson has both Soldier’s Salute and King Point starting in the final along with the Annette Crump-trained Chong Nonsi and Steve Wolfe’s Raucous Laughter.

Nelson believes all four will play a strong part in the race.

“I am only worried about my own, but the hardest to beat will be Chong Nonsi,” Nelson said.

“It is the strongest representation from Albany and they should run one, two, three and four.”

Despite King Point winning first-up last month, Nelson could not split his two runners.

“They are both going equally as well,” he said.

“King Point will go forward and Soldier’s Salute will go back in their traditional racing patterns.”

King Point won the Country Challenge Qualifying Heat in Bunbury (1200m) but was a disappointing sixth last start at Ascot.

Last-start winner Chong Nonsi is primed for her attack on the final according to Crump, but she was wary of her home-town rivals.

“We are going to have a decent crack, I think King Point is the horse to beat, he is pretty smart,” she said. “The two other locals are the main threats … she has pulled up well and I think (1500m) should suit.”

Experienced hoop Jason Whiting is aboard Crump’s mare, who has won four times from seven career starts.

“I would prefer to see him sit back but from that barrier he may sit midfield,” Crump said.

Raucous Laughter will head into the final chasing his fourth win on the trot and third over the 1500m distance.

Shaun McGruddy will ride the gelding, who has drawn ideally in barrier one. The race begins at 4.20pm on Saturday.

Got a story? Email cameron.newbold@albanyadvertiser.com