THE creme de la creme of the Victorian trotting community will descend on Swan Hill on Friday for the running of the $25,000 3SH Swan Hill Pacing Cup.
Household names such as Greg Sugars, John Justice, Alex Ashwood and Aaron Dunn will take centre stage in what is expected to be one of the most hotly contested cups in recent memory.
With first-class horses such as Helluva, Hot Deal, Beat City, Major Meister and Perfect Stride set to do battle, Swan Hill Trotting Club president Noel Watson expected a race to remember.
“It’s a nine-race card, with both the pacing cup and trotters cup, and we’re really happy with the calibre of horses that are racing,” Watson told The Guardian this week.
“The good drivers bring the good horses and they usually throw an extra one in the float, which is a real help for us.
“One of the best drivers in the country is Greg Sugars. He’s in form and will get to sit on horse called Perfect Stride, who was involved in last years Interdominion series.
“Then you have Jack Laugher, who is in really good form. Alex Ashwood is an aggressive driver and Ellen Tormey just represented Victoria in the driver’s championship.
“Aaron Dunn, Ewa Justice and of course there’s Tayla French, who’ll get the chance to steer one of the favourites around in Beat City.”
While Perfect Stride may have one of Australia’s best drivers aboard, it could well be the John Justice trained Helluva who starts favourite, after winning the Popular Alm Free For All at Melton in October.
While Justice drove Helluva that evening, it will be his daughter Ewa who takes the reins, the pair well known as one of the strongest trainer-driver combinations in the country.
As with most Swan Hill Pacing Cups, however, there are many winning chances, as Watson was quick to point out.
“Brooklyn Bridge, who has drawn the pole, comes over with Riverina form, and you can be guaranteed Ellen Jones won’t be bringing him over for nothing,” Watson said.
“Alex Ashwood has a couple of horses in the race, with one (Beat City) coming back over having won a couple of races in Perth.
“Shane Sanderson has a couple (Platinum Stride and Perfect Stride) in as well and it wouldn’t be a Swan Hill Cup without a Julie Douglas horse (Kosimo) running around, who is a last-start winner at Melton.
“He’s drawn inside the second row, so he could land into a nice spot three back on the fence and on this big track, could easily split them coming around the home turn.
“Aaron Dunn’s horse (Hot Deal) has drawn gate six and he’s also aggressive, so it could be on early from the mobile, which might suit some of the backmarkers.
“It should be a very entertaining race over 2790 metres. I don’t know if we will get a track record, but the track is in great condition and being a warm night, you never know.”
The on-track action won’t be the only drawcard, with plenty organised to entertain the kids and families, including laser tag, jumping castles and face painting. Gates open 5pm.
Undoubtedly, the highlight for the youngsters will be the Halloween theme, and Watson expected the trick-or-treating and new escape rooms to be a big hit.
“The weather gods are going to shine on us and it promises to be a massive night both on and off the track,” Watson said.
“We’re expecting another big crowd.
“There’ll be prizes for best dressed Halloween costumes, plus the new addition of our mad scientist and magician themed escape rooms.”
Entry is $10 for children, while entry for adults is just a gold coin donation, with proceeds to go towards the safe shelter from domestic violence project.
As for a tip, Watson expected it to be a night to remember for the Justice family.
“I’m going for Helluva over Beat City, because I know it’s a tough horse and the track here, if they attack early, will play into his hands,” Watson said.
“Beat City is a great horse and in form and will be hard to hold out, and I’ll throw Kosimo in for third, just because I think he will get a good run and be a sneaky chance late.”
