Strong Six Race program for Forbes Anzac Day Trots

Tomorrow afternoon, following the dawn services and marches around the district which recognise and show respect for the fallen and those who served in the many wars, it is time to sit back and relax and enjoy a pleasant afternoon at the trots.

Now known as harness racing, people have been flocking to Forbes on Anzac Day since the 1950’s because it has been tradition to have a day out at the “trots” on this special day.

Admittedly we don’t see the massive crowds attend like yesteryear, not here or anywhere as there is so much more for people to do but there is no denying that it is Forbes that keeps that very special part of history close to our hearts - after all - its unique name of the “ Forbes Diggers Trotting Club” certainly says it all.

Club President, Robert Parsons and his committee have been working overtime to ensure that all is in readiness for another great carnival, run over the next two weekends and no doubt come dusk on Sunday week, they will be hanging their hats on yet another great success.

Tomorrow’s program gets underway at 1.00pm with the running of the Helloworld Forbes 3yo Pace (1680m) and a man who has recorded many great wins on the Forbes track, Wayne Honan will be looking for more success on his happy hunting ground when he partners Edwardian in the opening event.

His run at Cowra when placed third was full of merit and he is much better suited in this company as most of his assignments have been against tougher opposition.

Parkes filly, Sitdown Sarah (Andrew Cassell) ran an improved race at Dubbo last weekend and she poses as the main danger.

Nathan Hurst is a strong supporter of racing in this part of the district and he gets his best chance to win a race here when he partners Spanish Lustre in the BWR Accountants/Bluescope Distribution Neville Pellow Memorial (1680m).

The gelding has been placed at three of his past five outings including a last start second in wet conditions at Dubbo.

Hurst will most likely charge forward out of the wide gate (six) in an attempt to lead.

Forbes pacer, Karinya Rocket (Gary Eyre) will be the hardest to beat as his form is strong including an all the way win at Cowra back on March 29.

The class runner in the race is Count Montecristo (Tony Higgs) but he is resuming from a let up and may need the run.

A very strong field will contest the RSL Sub Branch The Spirit of Anzac Pace (2060m) which is the first of two qualifying heats of the $12,000 Forbes Services Memorial Club Series.

Dubbo three year old, The Only Child (Mat Rue) does look very hard to hold out in this race following recent strong form that includes wins at Bathurst and Dubbo and a fourth in the Western District Derby.

Cheeky Jerula (Luke Booth) has drawn inside of him and on Wednesday night at Young was very unlucky when running third as he never really seen daylight.

He will be a major player along with The Space Invader (Steve Turnbull) which has been ultra consistent this term with a win and seven placings to his credit.

It will be a matter of put in, take out for the very classy Lexus On the Beach (Steve Turnbull) in the RSL Sub Branch The Centenary of Gallipoli Diggers Cup (2060m) which is the second heat of the Forbes Services Memorial Club Series.

The three year old colt is very smart and has wonderful form with four wins and as many placings from just nine career starts.

He last won on March 8 at Goulburn rating 1.57.2 so he should be winning here.

Local mare, Go Lassie Go (Murray Sullivan) offered great hope when she ran out of her skin when third in the Eugowra Canola Cup but an unsuccessful stint in Newcastle has put a real dent in her reputation and she would need to improve vastly if she is going to rival the favourite.

Wayne Honan gets his chance to snare a rare double when he combines with his partner Anna Woodmansey and her gelding Mister Bo Woody in the Lachlan Valley Veterinary Clinic - Clarrie and Valerie Robb Memorial (1680m).

The six year old won at Bankstown back in February and ran a good race when third behind Jedi Mind two starts back at Cowra.

In what should be a fast run race, conditions should suit Mister Bo Woody.

Peter Bullock has two six year old mares in the race, namely Zenitra Shannon (Michael Munro) and The Wifes Calling (Murray Sullivan) and while their respective form doesn't read all that well, at their best they can produce strong performances.

Bullock's other runner, Gunsmoke Shannon (Max Hughes) also has claims.

The locals may very well be cheering in the last race on the program, the Woods Family - Pud Woods Memorial (1680) as the Terry Hush trained Digger Shed (Jason Gaffney) appears to be the horse to beat.

The four year old gelding has won two races at Dubbo during March and April and is a tough grinding type who should be prominent from barrier rise.

Machbino (Anthony Frisby) is the main threat following a close second behind Glee Bromac at Dubbo last Saturday night while recent Bathurst placegetter, Heavenly Tooth from the Graham Bullock stable also appears to have claims.

Selections:

Race 1: 1.Edwardian 2.Sitdown Sarah 3.Aunty Nellie

Race 2: 1.Spanish Lustre 2.Karinya Rocket 3.Count Montecristo

Race 3: 1.The Only Child 2.Cheeky Jerula 3.The Space Invader

Race 4: 1.Lexus On The Beach 2.Go Lassie Go 3.Sorta Sexy

Race 5: 1.Mister Bo Woody 2.Zenitra Shannon The Wifes Calling

Race 6: 1.Digger Shed 2.Machbino 3.Heavenly Tooth