High hopes for mare

RACING: Dale Groves is hoping his team of three can land the spoils across the state today.

At his home track, Groves will be looking for Conquermore to get back into the winner’s circle at Clifford Park tonight.

The four-year-old accepted for two events on the card, but Groves said he is leaning towards running in the Audi Centre Toowoomba Benchmark 75 Handicap (1300m).

“I think we’ll go to the 1300m,” Groves said.

“There should be a slower tempo and she should get into a nice position from the draw (barrier two).

“At the moment there’s only six accepted and a few that are dual-accepted.”

One of her main rivals comes in the form of My Belly Button. The two clashed at the Gold Coast on July 3, with the Lindsay Hatch-trained galloper flashing home to score by the barest of margins.

“Lindsay always produces his horses well and he’ll be tough to beat again,” he said.

“Bryan is a last start winner as well. I think they are the two to beat.

“I’m thinking Conquermore can either lead them up or be outside the leader.”

Groves will also take a pair to the non-TAB meeting at Bundaberg, as Enraged looks to break his maiden in the Maiden Plate (850m).

“He went well the other day (at Roma),” he said.

“He’ll go forward and make his own luck.”

Luvyoulongtime also steps out at his second start for Groves in the Benchmark 55 Handicap (1380m), after previously being under the care of northern NSW trainer Stephen Lee.

Her first run in her new surrounds came at Clifford Park last week when she was beaten less than 1 ½ lengths behind Heavenly Archer, and Groves believes she is well placed today.