Harness Racing
For the first time since the race's inception, Eugowra's Canola Cup Series is missing the presence of the Neil Day stable from Goulburn.
Day has dominated the series over the years and while his brother Michael has runners engaged in this year's qualifying heats, a number of trainers now head to the picturesque track believing they have a real chance of taking out the $12,000 Series Final which will be conducted on October 5.
It won’t be any easier to win the rich feature, as the seven qualifying heats are splattered with smart pacers which should ensure one of the most anticipated and exciting races ever held at Eugowra.
Racing will get underway at 12.30pm with the first heat sponsored by Brett Myors Plastering and Forbes Machinery and Bathurst gelding, Fair Blazing appears to be the horse to beat.
To be driven by one of the most talented young drivers ever produced in the Western District, Ashlee Siejka, Fair Blazing boasts strong Sydney form including a last start win at Bankstown and he does look to be the best bet of the day.
Medlyn's Auto Services and Central West Granite sponsor Heat Two and Billy Vicolo (John Vautin) will be hard to hold out here despite drawing off the back row.
He has won in his past two outings at Bathurst and is a horse with a real future.
Say Gday Lombo (Philip Maguire) has very consistent form which includes a win and four placings from his past five starts and he will certainly test Billy Vicolo.
Codys Treasure (Philip Maguire) is one of four very strong chances that Young trainer, Michael Hardy has engaged in the Series and he is drawn in Heat Three which is sponsored by Central Hotel and Davison, Cameron, Board and Simmons.
He is a recent winner at Wagga and Young and was also a close up fifth at Harold Park which suggests that he has a bit of class.
Last start Wagga winner, Ariah Park (David Druitt) is his danger.
Bathurst trainer, driver, Ian Mutton has been producing smart horses from his stable for the past 50 years and his latest stable star, Spooky Leigh is no exception.
He led throughout to win at Bathurst on August 5 and repeated the dose with a win at Young last Friday.
He has drawn nicely in barrier one in the Adrian Motel and Gundamain Feedlot Heat Four and his likely dangers are Dancing Joroco (Brett Hutchings) and Beach Warrior (Michael Day Jnr).
Big Bad Brad (Phillip Maguire) made a huge impression when he won on debut at Young last week and he will be sent out as favourite to make it back to back wins in the Eat You Greens and Forbes Livestock sponsored Heat Five (2100m).
From barrier three he should be prominent with his main danger being recent Wagga winner, Otago Jac (David Druitt).
The Young and Wagga form may very well be the most important guide to chances right throughout the day as Armajane (Russell Campbell) is also a recent Wagga winner and she looks well placed in Heat Six sponsored by Roylances's and Kevin Miller, Whitty, Lennon & Co.
The smart Steve Conroy trained Blue And Regal will be a huge threat despite drawing on the back line.
He has top Sydney form and will be well handled by the talented Emma Turnbull.
Keep an eye on first starter, Mighty Umaga as he is from the strong Peter Russo stable.
Heat Seven is sponsored by Agnvet Services and National Trotguide and the Michael Hardy stable should be to the fore again with Tully Town (Philip Maguire) drawing to win in barrier two.
The four year old has been racing in great form with wins at Parkes and Dubbo and he was only just beaten at Young last Friday.
Dubbo pair Brother Brad (Colin Young) and Yellow Roses (Martin Simmons) both impressed during the Peak Hill Carnival and will be right in the finish.
The only other race programmed outside the Canola Cup Series is the Michael Morgan Seed Cleaning and Sygenta Pace (2100m) and it is a very strong race.
Headline Hero could give Ian Mutton a double in successive races should Spooky Leigh win as expected.
He has been placed third at Bathurst at his past two outings in stronger company.
Tulhurst Ranger (Anthony Frisby) has finished second at Bathurst at her past two runs and is a danger while Bundy On Ice (Kurt Lew) produced two top performances on the big Peak Hill circuit to win in fast time on both occasions.
Selections:
Race 1: 1.Fair Blazing 2.Stars Boy 3.Just Bobbysue.
Race 2: 1.Billy Vicolo 2.Say Gday Lombo 3.Kympossible.
Race 3: 1.Codys Treasure 2.Ariah Prince 3.Jerula Rose.
Race 4: 1.Spooky Leigh 2.Dancing Joroco 3.Beach Warrior.
Race 5: 1.Headline Hero 2.Tulhurst Ranger 3.Bundy On Ice.
Race 6: 1.Big Bad Brad 2.Otago Jac 3.Madam President.
Race 7: 1.Armajane 2.Blue And Regal 3.Mighty Umaga.
Race 8: 1.Tully Town 2.Brother Brad 3.Yellow Roses.
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