Plonka Books Country Championship Berth

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Plonka

Plonka has given trainer his biggest win and booked his ticket to the $500,000 with his heat win at .

The Northern Rivers $150,000 qualifying heat was run on Thursday after being delayed then transferred from a waterlogged Coffs Harbour.

Under confident riding from Rachel Murray, Plonka beat the -trained to win the 1420m-race with the runner-up also booking her trip to the Sydney final at on April 4

Plonka had already given Gavenlock a milestone city win in a at in November.

“A lot of people doubted Plonka could run the 1400 metres but I never did and what a great ride,” Gavenlock told Sky Thoroughbred Central.

“The delay of four days played in our favour and the drying track helped as well.

“He was my first city winner and he'll give the final a shake.”

Murray said she put her faith in Plonka and let him work into the race in his comfort zone.

“It was a huge effort,” Murray said. “I am not going to lie, the extension of the qualifier out to Thursday, it gave him another four days to recover.

“Everything worked out perfect. He is a good horse.

“I just love the horse and I just have so much faith in him so I didn't care where I was. I just did my own thing.”

Gracie Belle became somewhat agitated pre-race and did well to run second.

“She got a little bit upset in the yard and it probably followed through to the race,” Dunn said.

“I'm disappointed we didn't win but full credit to the winner.”

Plonka and Gracie Belle join Sunday's South East regional qualifiers, and Al Mah Haha in the final.

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