McGruddy and Pateman to resume battle

Shaun McGruddy has already surpassed last season’s mark of 14 winners in the Great Southern, but he has a fight on his hands to win another jockeys’ premiership going into tomorrow’s seven-race card in Albany.

McGruddy is the current leader of the Great Southern Jockeys’ Premiership with 15.5 wins, more than his mark last season where he finish second to local hoop Mitchell Pateman.

Mitchell Pateman, who finished runner-up to McGruddy last season, has been set back by suspensions recently and he trails McGruddy with 12 winners.

However, he has a strong book, of rides as he attempts to close the gap.

Pateman booted home Prentice in Albany last week and will be chasing more success when he partners the in-form Queen Tori in the Tru-Test Handicap (1100m).

Queen Tori has won her past two starts impressively for Des Attwell and Pateman replaces apprentice Mollie Clark aboard the Oratorio mare in the field of 10.

Pateman will also ride strong hope Prince Friar, who drops back to the suitable 1500m, to go with sits on The Vampire, Costa Oeste, Dr Sykes and Frankly Scarlett.

McGruddy has six rides on the program with five of those for leading Albany trainer Steve Wolfe.

Last-start winner Mongolian Warlord again looks hard to beat in the Nufarm Handicap (1600m) despite the heavy 60.5kg impost, while War Ksar is another strong chance second-up from a break.

McGruddy will also be aboard Democracy Rules, Double Edged, Faulty and Kostyazilch.

Meanwhile, star Albany sprinter Dream Lifter will attempt to go one better in Saturday’s listed $100,000 Cyril Flower Stakes (1200m) for Hunter and Pateman.

Dream Lifter finished second to Great Shot in the same race last year and will start from barrier two with 56.5kg on his back in the field of seven at Ascot.

CAMERON NEWBOLD’S ALBANY SELECTIONS

Race 1: Planet Flower

Race 2: Vital Boom

Race 3: War Ksar

Race 4: Queen Tori

Race 5: Parisienne Lady

Race 6: Toru Waimarie

Race 7: Mongolian Warlord

Best Bet: War Ksar

Value: Toru Waimarie