Scone plays host to provincial NSW racing on Monday, with a strong 9 race card scheduled for punters.
There were 106 acceptances prior to 20+ scratchings this morning, which have taken their toll and thrown some speed maps into disarray.
The track is currently rated a Good 4, whilst the rail is out 3m from the 800m to the winning post and true for the remainder of the circuit.
With temperatures set to hit 38 degrees today, the track is more than likely to be upgraded to a Good 3 early on.
Rock hard surfaces can often assist front-runners and on-pace runners, so punters should take note of any potential leader bias throughout the day.
Scone Race 1 Tip #1 Autumn Rain $8.00
The bookies went up a big price ($18) with this girl and she has since been backed into $8.
She's coming off two duck-eggs, but both of those runs were over an unsuitable distance and race shape.
Stepping out to the 2200m is ideal for this girl, as is the 3kg weight relief from apprentice Dylan Gibbons. She's a winner at this track & distance and has no issues with the dry surface.
This is a pretty low race, with big queries over the favourite's ability on a dry surface which is a worry given the track will only get firmer. The remainder of the field are just plodders, so if this mare runs up to her best today she'll be hard to beat.
Drawn ideally in barrier 2, Gibbons can ride her how she jumps. She can lead these or sit one pair back.
She'll be there when the whips are cracking and at the $8, she's well worth the gamble.