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An outstanding field of sprinters will face the starter on THURSDAY for the $200,000 Iron Jack Wagga Town Plate (1200m) on the opening day of Wagga’s 150-year anniversary Cup Carnival.
Last year's winner Front Page, who is also reigning Kosciuszko champion, will be resuming with Tyler Schiller already booked for the mount.
One of Sydney's leading apprentices, Schiller will be hoping to maintain his unbeaten record on the flying chestnut having partnered him to victory in both the Town Plate and Kosciuszko in his only rides on the horse.
The Town Plate has great depth and entries include Art Cadeau (winner of the 2021 Country Championships Final and The Kosciuszko), Handle The Truth (2019 The Kosciuszko), Randwick and Rosehill winner Testator Silens, and Delacour who won her third successive race at the Hawkesbury Saturday Stand-Alone meeting.
Adding further spice is Rocket Tiger, a Randwick winner, who returned to form last start with a dashing victory in the Wagga Town Plate Prelude having been on the sideline for some time with a shoulder injury.
Murrumbidgee Turf Club's Raine & Horne Wagga Gold Cup Day will pass the 150th milestone on FRIDAY with $505,000 in prizemoney on offer during Cup Day, with a total of $955,000 being distributed over the two-day carnival.
"Preparations are well advanced for what promises to be a huge two-day carnival," said MTC's CEO, Jason Ferrario.
"Hospitality packages for Gold Cup Day sold out in record time and Town Plate Day continues to grow every year.
"The MTC is excited to host one of the best carnivals in Country NSW that attracts trainers and jockeys from near and far and racegoers from all over the Eastern seaboard."
Leading trainer Chris Waller will be chasing his fifth Wagga Cup winner and has entered eight horses. Waller landed the Cup last year with favourite Aleas ridden by Chad Schofield.
Local galloper Another One (2022 Country Championships Final winner) is on target for the Wagga Gold Cup and galloped in between races at Wagga last Sunday with Front Page.
Fellow Wagga performer The Doctor's Son is exempt from ballot after taking out the Gundagai Cup and will have plenty of support from the area. The veteran is prepared by young trainer Maddi Collins and will be ridden by her partner Josh Richards.
A ticket to the $2m The Big Dance awaits after the Wagga Gold Cup with the first two eligible to run in The Big Dance at Royal Randwick in November.
"Lizzie Jelfs will be a special guest offering her racing insights and the pick of the yard, and Sky Racing expert Brad Davidson will be conducting the Punters Podium," said Mr Ferrario.
"We also have the Kristopher Graydon Fashions on the Field and free bus travel home to ensure racegoers have a 'Plan B'."
The National Anthem will be performed on the presentation stage at the Mounting Yard on Cup Day.
UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Taree, Wellington
Tuesday: Gunnedah
Thursday: Wagga
Friday: Wagga, Coffs Harbour
Saturday: Ballina, Dubbo, Marthaguy picnics at Quambone
Sunday: Sapphire Coast, Mudgee
