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Sydney Team Confirmed

8 February 2018

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Grant Dixon has confirmed his Sydney raiders.

The leading Queensland horseman will start a trio of richly talented types at TABCORP Park, Menangle next Saturday night.

The ace in the pack is last start Gr.1 Victoria Derby winner Colt Thirty One, a brilliant winner of the blue riband classic who now chases further glory in the Gr.1 $200,000 New South Wales Derby.

Arriving safely from Melbourne earlier this week (Monday), the Mach Three colt appears in great shape with stable foreman Dale Hogan and will start in a heat of the Derby next week.

“He’s in very good order and has trained on following his Derby victory which is very pleasing, he came up by road and Dale reported that he is in very good order and settled in quickly. It’s shaping as a very strong series, possibly even deeper than Melbourne but we’re in it to win it with him.” Dixon said.

Classy stablemates Fame Assured and Aqua Miss will join Colt Thirty One this weekend when they head south in preparation for heats of the New South Wales Oaks next weekend.

The $200,000 final is scheduled for February 24, the same night as the Derby.

Both fillies are unbeaten this campaign, Fame Assured has won all four starts while Aqua Miss is currently two for two.

Fame Assured is a daughter of Mach Three and boasts a record of 6 wins from 8 starts.

Last season, she finished a narrow second behind Arts Treasure in the Gr.1 $100,000 QBRED Triad Final at Albion Park during the winter carnival.

Aqua Miss is a regally bred daughter of Bettors Delight and continues to build an impressive record with 4 wins from 7 starts to date.

“Both fillies are quite talented but both are facing a big rise in class, however, they have both earned their chance to compete at this higher level.

“Fame Assured has very good speed and has continued to improve whereas Aqua Miss is quite strong but also quite fast, I’m expecting good efforts from both.

“They’re heading down this weekend; hopefully they handle the trip and settle in quickly.”

All three pacers are raced by their breeders, Kevin and Kay Seymour.