Scone preview: A chance encounter with Cambridge Stud boss could lead to record season for trainer Rodney Northam

A fortuitous meeting with Cambridge Stud boss Henry Plumptre after a Sydney race win has led to a promising new collaboration with trainer Rodney Northam that can kick off on a winning note.

Trainer Rodney Northam can set a new personal best tally of winners at Scone.

Scone trainer Rodney Northam has already equalled his best 45 winners for the season but a chance encounter after one of those wins could see him set a new benchmark.

Northam saddles up his first runner for New Zealand’s Cambridge Stud with Rockadeel who makes her race debut as a four-year-old in the opening race, the Maiden Handicap (900m).

The daughter of Dundeel had three trials in May and August of 2023 for Brad Widdup but was off the scene until she trialled at Gunnedah on July 25 for Northam.

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“I bumped into Henry Plumptre (Cambridge Stud CEO) after winning a Highway and he said they had a mare they think would suit coming to me,” said Northam.

“She injured herself and needed an extended spell.

“She was sound with the pre-trainers and sent her to me to try and get a win on the board.

“I’m quite pleased with what she has shown me since she arrived and her two trials have been good.

“The 900 metres might be 100 metres short of what she wants but it looks a nice race for her.”

Northam has been pleased with the three runs of See You Then and feels she is a good chance to break through in the Country Boosted Maiden Plate (1100m).

The daughter of Magna Grecia has been runner-up in each run, the latest a long head behind Hellwithasmile over 1000m at Tamworth on June 27.

“She really knuckled down well when she got clear,” he said.

Straand Care gives @NockBraith and @cavanoughracing a double at @sconeraceclub! pic.twitter.com/qNhLxUj6te

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) January 30, 2025

“I think the 1100 metres should be fine, the track should be good and it looks like a winnable race for her.

“She had a foot abscess after her last run which is why the gap between races.”

Smart Buy has been a little unlucky not to have broken through already but gets her chance in the Maiden Plate (1300m).

The filly was held up on the turn when a three-quarter length second over 1300m at Dubbo back in March and found herself in a similar situation when fourth to Nova Centauri over 1000m at Scone first-up this campaign.

“The first-up run was really nice. The 1000 metres was always going to be a bit short for her but she was good through the line,” Northam said.

“She isn’t an overly strong but she is a big filly with a decent stride and she takes a bit of balancing up.

“Stepping up to 1300 metres looks ideal and Scone is a great track for her with the big straight.

🟣 Bhima Grad Winner 🟣
3YO filly Tulipwood (Russian Revolution x Lady Lakshmi) is tough to the line and claims her maiden at start two for @ANeashamRacing & @Rob_Arch1 🙌

Bred by Lachlan River Bloodstock, Mr P Treyvaud, Kiscm and Russo Super, she was an Inglis Easter Sale grad. pic.twitter.com/j768MCRZ31

— Bhima Thoroughbreds (@BhimaTBreds) March 7, 2025

“It looks the perfect race for her.”

Great Point has failed to produce her nest form in TAB Highways at Rosehill and Randwick at her past two starts but was a winner at Tamworth before that.

Northam expects a return to her home track can see her turn her form around in the Benchmark 66 (1700m).

“I was a bit disappointed with her last run. I was expecting a bit more from her,” he said.

“She just hasn’t really done well when we have gone to Sydney. Some horses just don’t handle the travelling down there.

“Back on her home track where she has a good record and I think she can race really well.”

Northam was extremely happy with the barrier trial of Upwardly Mobile at Scone on July 16 and expects her run very well when she kicks off her campaign.

Which race that will be in will be determined by scratchings and the weather as she is in the Class 2 Handicap (1300m) and Benchmark 58 (1200m) where she is the second emergency.

“Her trial was super and I’ll just weigh up both races,” he said.