March 1, 2013, 4 a.m.
FORMER Queensland trainer Norm Hilton, now established at Newcastle, will have his first runner at Muswellbrook when Ona’s Choice starts in either the Benchmark 55 or Class 1, both over 1280 metres, at Tuesday’s meeting at Skellatar Park Racecourse.
Hilton, who moved to Broadmeadow from Toowoomba in mid-January, might also have another runner in last start Toowoomba winner Kentucky Queen, which has been nominated for the Class 2 (1000m).
“I am in two minds about which way to go with Kentucky Queen,” Hilton said.
“She will also be nominated for Taree because I can keep her in her own grade up there but I haven’t made a final decision yet.
“Ona’s Choice will be suited by the step up to 1280 metres and I will start her in whichever race I think she can win.
“I haven’t been to Muswellbrook yet but I have heard some really good reports about it from some of the trainers here in Newcastle so it’s time I got up there with a runner or two.”
Hilton moved 16 horses to Newcastle after becoming disillusioned with Queensland racing and the level of prizemoney there.
He has not wasted time making an impact with the star of the team, Carry Me Bluey, running second at Rosehill behind Frozen Rope two weeks ago.
Ona’s Choice won a maiden at Ipswich in December at only her third start before running third, twice, at Newcastle over 900 metres and 1200 metres.
In each case she was involved in three way photo finishes.
“Both those runs were very pleasing and the extra distance on Tuesday will really suit her,” Hilton said.
Kentucky Queen won a maiden at Toowoomba at her third start just before the move south and Hilton has given her time to settle before continuing her program.
Sydney apprentice Yusuke Ichikawa, who rode a winner for Kris Lees at Scone last Monday, will ride Ona’s Choice and also Kentucky Queen if she starts on Tuesday.
Rosehill trainer Gregory Mcfarlane is also heading to Muswellbrook after nominating four horses including two, Demon Nurse and Rose Of Aranmore in the Benchmark 60 (1500m).
Rose Of Aranmore is also nominated for the Class 3 (1750m), a heat of the Rising Star Series for apprentices.
Mcfarlane has also nominated Old Mate Shov in the Benchmark 55 and the unraced Flying Nun in the Four Year Old Maiden (1000m).
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