Travers and Boudvillain look to continue their success at Gundagai
Red-hot Wagga trainer Michael Travers will have NSW’s leading jockey aboard four big chances at Gundagai on Saturday, the headline act in a massive few days that also takes in Rosehill Gardens, Dubbo and Albury.
Travers, who is enjoying his best season to date with 32 winners in 2025/26, will appreciate having Pierre Boudvillain in the saddle. The Frenchman leads the NSW title with 128 victories, 14 clear of nearest rival Tommy Berry.
“He’s riding fantastically well,” Travers said.
"He got the best out of Roullottie for us at Narrandera the other day, and he’s ridden quite a few winners for us, so I’m really happy to be able to get him on all of my runners at Gundagai.
“As you know, every little advantage helps, and we have come up with some good draws as well, so hopefully we have the right horses.”
Kicking off the team’s chances is Second Witness (gate 2) in the 1180m Maiden Plate, while the stable’s best chance could be Aerial Artist (gate 1) in the 1000m Maiden Handicap.
The 3YO Trapeze Artist gelding steps back from full TAB maidens, where he hasn’t been far off the pace, and he finally lands a soft draw for connections.
Teresprit (gate 10) is a capable type on her day, and she will go around in the 1000m Benchmark 50 Handicap.
Last-start winner Roullottie (gate 1) will also take some beating in the 1400m Benchmark 50 Handicap. The 5YO Casino Prince mare was given a wonderful front-running ride to win by two lengths in the same grade and distance at Narrandera on June 13.
“Roullottie should go forward from the inside draw, and we’ll see if Pierre can go back-to-back on her,” Travers said.
Away from Gundagai, Demi God is a reserve in the 1500m Class Three Highway Handicap at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, while Jenni Divine heads to Dubbo for the 1300m Benchmark 58 Handicap Winter Country Classic Final.
The 4YO Divine Prophet mare ran an eye-catching third in the qualifier and shapes as a big improver in the final, but Travers said he will only make the long trip if the track doesn’t descend into a heavy rating.
Then on Monday, the stable could have up to seven starters at Albury, where it will likely be a heavy racecourse.
Inzain Baby (Blaike McDougall, gate 10) resumes in the 1000m Maiden Plate and will probably need the run, while Swinging High (Damon Budler, gate 6) gets conditions to suit in the 1600m Benchmark 58 Handicap after a placing at Albury last time out.
Renowned Riverina mudlark Mathrin (Carly Frater, gate 11) is fresh off a big win at Wagga and will relish the wet conditions in the 1400m Benchmark 82 Handicap.
Travers then could have up to four chances in the Country Boosted 1175m Benchmark 58 Handicap. Brutal Force (Blaike McDougall, gate 1) leads the charge, with the 4YO Brutal gelding fresh off back-to-back wins at Dubbo and Wagga.
Seasmoke (Cory Parish, gate 13) resumes, while recent Albury winner Iroquai (gate 16) and Albury placegetter Taluk (gate 8) are also entered.
“Mathrin and Brutal Force will be good chances; both are proven wet trackers and last-start winners,” Travers said.
“It’s the right time of year for them, and hopefully we run into a wet track.”
Words: Jeff Hanson/Dusty Hooves Media
Image: Kylie Shaw/Trackpix Racing Photography
