“Isn’t it amazing how the Country Championships has just gone from strength to strength.”

The Nathan Berry Medal, one of racing’s most sought-after awards, will be a highlight of Day 1 of The Star Championships this Saturday.

It wasn’t that long ago trainer Warren Gavenlock’s dream of winning the $500,000 Newhaven Park Country Championships Final looked dashed but a gear change masterstroke has given Plonka his second chance at “the big dance”.