Lismore, Gosford previews: Trainer Scott Henley is quietly confident Volcanic Love can cause a minor upset in the Country Championship Qualifier

Grafton trainer Scott Henley has talented gelding Volcanic Love is peak form and ready to pull off a long range plan in the Country Championship Qualifier at Lismore.

Volcanic Love is out to book his place in the Country Championship Final with a win in the Qualifier at Lismore. Picture: Grant Peters, Trackside Photography

A plan devised by trainer Scott Henley 10 months ago is coming together perfectly as he looks to have his first Country Championship finalist with the progressive Volcanic Love.

It was after Volcanic Love finished tenth in the Listed Daybreak Lover at Eagle Farm last April that Henley thought he would develop into a genuine contender for the rich Randwick race and the gelding is peaking at the right time with wins at two of his last three starts at Lismore and Doomben.

“He was four deep throughout in the Daybreak Lover and still only beaten five lengths. He was entitled to finish further back than that,” said Henley.

“That’s when I thought he was our Championship horse.

Volcanic Love sprouts wings to deny Mintaka Lad in the last at Doomben! Huge win 🔥 pic.twitter.com/kZUx9YjHD1

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) February 1, 2025

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“Everything since then has been with this race in mind. I even took him to Randwick for a Highway last year so he could experience the track and also trip down to Sydney in case he made the final.”

The four-year-old son of Kermadec is rated an $11 chance on TAB Fixed Odds in the NRRA Championship Qualifier at Lismore behind the Matthew Dunn-trained trio Fukubana ($2.50), Tribeca Star ($2.80) and Lubrication ($6.50).

“Matt horses are all well placed. He’s got them in there with the right weights and they are in the perfect position,” Henley said.

“One thing people have to allow for is my horse is on the way up.

“He still has a lot of improvement in him and we haven’t hit the ceiling yet.

“He has won at Lismore which is important. It’s a tricky track with up hills and down hills and is one of only four horses who has raced here and one of only two who has won here.

“I’m confident he can be right in the finish.”

Meanwhile, trainer Mark Minervini feels Ocean Joy could potentially measure up to stakes racing and she can take another step towards that goal with a win at the first meeting on the newly revamped Gosford track.

From day one, Ocean Joy has shown Minervini that she has inherited her fair share of ability from her famous family and is continuing on an upward spiral.

She was dynamic in winning her first barrier trial at Scone last August by nearly 12 lengths and took that to the races with a debut third behind Zoubaby before and third to Force Red.

Mark @minerviniracing flew the flag for local trainers yesterday with a winning double on the home track. OCEAN JOY broke her maiden over 900m while SHALL BE made it back to back wins (3rd career win in just 5 starts) also over 900m. Congratulations to all the winning… pic.twitter.com/NUX8du3LA2

— Newcastle Racecourse (@newcastleraces_) February 1, 2025

Following a tough run first-up this campaign, she was gutsy in scoring her maiden win over 900m at Newcastle on February 1.

“I thought it was a really tough win the other day,” said Minervini.

“From day one, she has shown us natural ability and was good behind a couple of smart horses at her first two starts in what has proven to be strong form.

“Zoubaby is stakes placed and has won a Midway. Force Red finish third as favourite at Moonee Valley at his next start.”

Minervini feels the daughter of Headwater can measure up to a much higher level and a win in the Benchmark 64 Handicap (1100m) could see her on display during one of the autumn carnivals.

“I’m hoping we could get some black type with her,” he said.

“She is out of a good family that has produced the likes of Sunday Joy and Tuesday Joy so some stakes form would make her a very valuable broodmare.”

Minervini also saddles up Cool Space in the 4YO and Up Maiden Plate (1000m) and gives him a good chance.

“He’s a horse with ability. There’s no question in my mind about that, he’s just wanting to do a few things wrong at the moment,” he said.

“He stood flat footed at Port Macquarie last Sunday but got home well for fourth.

“If he jumps on terms, he will be very competitive in this race.”