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Trainer labels Bush finalist his 'Tom Melbourne'

19 June 2019

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By Alex Nolan

In the city they say there’s no surer bet than Field/Tom Melbourne/Field.

In the bush, the same logic could be applied to the David Reynolds-trained Music Scene.

The seven-time winner will start from barrier 12 in Saturday’s $125,000 Battle of the Bush Final at Eagle Farm.

Music Scene has earned over $100,000 in 68 career starts but it’s his propensity to run second that has seen his career place strike-rate rise above 50%.

“He’s our Tom Melbourne, he’s run second 19 times,” Reynolds said at Wednesday’s barrier draw.

“We’ve had him since he was a maiden runner and taken him all the way through over the past four years.

“At the end of the day, in the bush, it’s about earning a cheque when they go around otherwise it can get tough. He’s very honest.”

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Music Scene began life in Victoria before transferring to Reynolds in December 2015.

Reynolds’ wife Leeanne McCoy will partner the horse for the 51st time in Saturday’s final.

“It’s a family affair,” Reynolds said.

“My parents and I own him. Dad picked him out at trackwork the first morning he was at our place and said ‘I want a piece of that horse’ and of course the wife will ride him.”

Connections have travelled thousands of kilometres to be in Brisbane for the final, after 16 qualifiers held across the state between April and June.

Dalby-based Reynolds will return to his stables later today to tend to his team of 14 horses, before returning to Brisbane for the welcome function on Friday.

He’ll then head back to Dalby that evening, before turning around with horse in tow for Saturday’s race at 12.20pm.

But, in true country style, he paid homage to the trainers who have travelled from places such as Mount Isa, Atherton Tablelands and Sarina just to be here.

“It’s a tough gig,” he said.

“I take my hat off to those trainers who are travelling long distances. We’ve done Cunnamulla, Charleville, we certainly know what driving’s about but what they’re doing is pretty amazing stuff.”