Cloncurry horse trainer Damien Finter has taken out the Battle of the Bush qualifier ahead of last year's winner.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Finter's horse, Deadly Choices won the 1000 meter race just in front of Galea Warrior, who qualified for Battle of the Bush in Mount Isa in 2018.
This victory will see Finter and his five-year-old gelding travel to Brisbane to compete in the Battle of the Bush final on Saturday June 22.
Finter said this race was Deadly Choices's second race since having a spell.
"He is near the top of his game now, he has had six wins from 20 starts and is really starting to shine now," he said.
"We got a pearler of a ride by Keith Ballard and we will take the horse to Brisbane and see how we go."
Finter said the 1200m Battle of the Bush final in Brisbane would suit Deadly Choices nicely.
"I think he will hold his own very will, the 1200m will suit and grass will suit him so there are a lot of pluses," he said.
"He is best when he is left to settle so he can find his feet early and work into the race and he does his best work late in the race."
This race was a delightful victory for Finter, after Deadly Choices just missed out on qualifying for the Battle of the Bush in Mount Isa, coming second to Split the Atom in May.
Both Split the Atom and Deadly Choices will now travel to Eagle Farm Racecourse to compete against 14 other qualifiers for the $125,000 prize money.
Racing Queensland CEO Brendan Parnell said Racing Queensland was committed to providing more opportunities for country racing participants to experience the thrill of racing for high stakes alongside some of Australian racing's biggest names.
"The inaugural TAB Battle of the Bush Series was a game changer, not just for participants and owners, but for racing fans across Queensland who followed their favourite country trainer or horse throughout the series to the final," Mr Parnell said.
While you are here, subscribe to our weekly email newsletter delivered to your inbox at 6am every Friday.