TRAINER Geoff Duryea has been forced to scratch News Girl from the Country Championships Qualifier after being handed a horror draw.
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News Girl - who was set to start favourite in the $150,000 feature - drew barrier 18 in the field comprising 16 runners plus four emergencies.
Duryea had no hesitation in immediately scratching his stable star and will instead head to Caulfield tomorrow to race in group three company.
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The classy mare is considered one of the leading fancies in the $160,000 Mannerism Stakes, (1400m) after two wins and a minor placing at Caulfield from her past three starts.
Ironically, News Girl also drew the extreme outside barrier at Caulfield but only has nine rivals to contend with.
"I couldn't help but swear when I saw what she drew at Albury," Duryea said.
"I was happy to let her go around if she drew in single digits but not 18.
"As soon as I saw the draw I said we are off to Caulfield.
"If I raced at Albury I would be just setting her up to get beat with that draw.
"They are not going to hand you the race and let you cross easily and chances are she would be trapped wide the trip."
Duryea said he would have preferred to race at Albury.
"I'm disappointed because I wanted her to race locally while I can," he said.
"She has had two previous starts at Albury for two wins.
"But with a rating of 95 there is not many races in the Riverina she can race in without copping a huge weight.
"It would have been great for the locals to come and have a look at her in action."
The Country Championships is quickly becoming a source of frustration for Duryea.
Duryea also had the Championship favourite in 2017 in Challenge Accepted but drew barrier 13 in the 15-horse field.
Challenge Accepted finished third behind the Andrew Dale-trained Lautaro after being forced to settle near the tail of the field before hooking wide in the straight and charging late.
