Bumpy Black Set For Bendigo Cup Test

CENTRAL Coast trainer Neil Lyford is under no illusions as to the enormity of the task that awaits Bumpy Black in Sunday's Triple M sponsored Bendigo Cup heats (425m).

But with eight wins under her belt from her past nine appearances, and 14 from 22 overall, Lyford has declared the time right to test his star conveyance against the best one-turn sprinters the country has to offer.

SUNDAY'S BENDIGO FIELDS & FORM

"I wanted to find out whether she can match it with the next level up and the only way you can do that is by racing them," Lyford said.

"I only found out earlier this week that NSW trainers could nominate (in Victoria) so it was a bit of a last minute thing. Had I known earlier she wouldn't have raced at Gosford on Tuesday night but she's come through the run great.

"She's in a hot race which you'd expect and hasn't trialled there but at worst the trip away and experience in that class will do her the world of good for later on."

A daughter of Barcia Bale and Izzy Marlow, Bumpy Black was purchased by Lyford as a three-dog package deal for $17,000 from breeder Kevin Gordon.

A purchase more than paying dividends.

"Bumpy Black only started off steady but she's just kept improving," Lyford offered.

"She's the kind of bitch that always does what she needs to. She can lead or come from behind, there's no nonsense with her.

"And if you look at some of the dogs' she's beaten they're no slouches and she runs time. She's just a real race dog – I think she more races her opposition than anything else."

TAB has installed Bumpy Black a $26 chance for Sunday's seventh Bendigo Cup heat from box two where the raging hot favourite ($1.65) is Shepparton Cup hero and track record holder Hard Style Rico.

"He's a serious dog isn't he," Lyford stated.

"It's not going to be easy but whatever the result on Sunday mixing it in that company will be good for her for when she contests some local cups coming up in NSW."

And while Lyford is over the moon with the outstanding form of Bumpy Black, whom he has declared will one day make the ideal broodbitch, the Kulnura based trainer can't help but ponder what might have been with litter-sister Bumpy Express.

"I lost her in a freak catching pen accident at Gosford in May," said Lyford.

"I know you always hear it but she was going to be the best of the two for sure. As a pup, at her first ever 500 trial at Gosford she went 29.60 – we just never got to see the best of her."