LAST year’s top three placegetters headline one of the strongest fields to contest the cluBarham Kerang Cup this decade.
In a coup for the Kerang Turf Club, last year’s placegetters over the 1800-metre race – winner, Corporate Takeover, 2017 pre-race favourtite Blue Jangles and Free Willy – are part of the 10-horse field that will compete in Saturday’s feature event.
Swan Hill-based trainer, Austin Coffey will look to defend the title with his seven-year-old gelding, which goes into the race on the back of a win at Ararat in his last start on March 9.
Blue Jangles, who lost by a neck to the eventual winner close to 12 months ago, has placed once in her 11 outings since the Daryl Archard-trained six-year-old gelding’s last visit to Alexandra Park – a win at Bendigo in February.
Free Willy – trained by fellow Swan Hill and Murrabit-based trainer, Nathan Hobson – has placed in six of his 13 races following last year’s cup meet, with the seven-year-old gelding winning at Swan Hill earlier this month.
The trio’s biggest challenge will come from the Russell Osborne-trained If You Will, with the four-year-old gelding winning three of his past four races.
The Eric Musgrove-trained Mr One Eleven will also be another challenger, with the seven-year-old gelding winning two of his past three races.
There will also be local interest in the seven-race meet, with three Kerang-based trainers entering horses for the day.
John Matheson will debut four-year-old gelding, Jittery Jack in the G and L Concreting Maiden Plate, with Jarrod Robinson’s five-year-old gelding, Captain Smooth competing in the Universal Farming Services BM58 Handicap.
Six-year-old gelding, Wild Irish Boy will take part in his fourth Kerang Turf Club meet since crossing over to Peter Williams’ stables in late 2015, competing in the Halls Timber and Hardware BM64 Handicap.
More than 250 horses were nominated across all races – a figure which has impressed Kerang Turf Club president, Scott Strachan.
“We received numerous reports that trainers and owners want to bring their horses up this way,” he said.
“It also shows there is a bit of rivalry in racing.”
Club members have spent the past week preparing Alexandra Park for the organisation’s showcase meet.
“The track is looking in good condition. It had a water last week and a final mow occurred earlier this week,” Strachan said.
On-field action will begin at 1.50pm with the G and L Concreting Maiden Plate, leading up to the cup at 5pm.
There will be plenty to do off-track, with the Fashions on the Field to be a highlight.
Eight prizes will be on offer, recognising the best dressed lady, man, young racegoer and children under the age of 12.
Other categories will focus on the best shoes and most fashionable hat, with a novelty section to also occur.
Kelly Sports will be on-site to run children’s activities, with the Easter Bunny to also make a special appearance.
