Held at what is considered the largest track in the state, last year’s Gunbower Cup meeting failed to go ahead due to COVID-19 restrictions, with the club also unable to host its February meeting earlier this year.
Club secretary Peter O’Shea said it had been a “good challenge” to get the cup meeting back on the calendar for Sunday.
“Preparations have been going pretty good,” O’Shea said.
“The weather is looking kind to us. And we’re expecting a fairly good crowd and a good meeting.”
Free entry is sure to bring in a crowd, while the chance to compete in the renowned gumboot throwing competition shouldn’t be missed.
A water slide is among the children’s entertainment on offer, with a barbecue, bookmaker and TAB facilities also on-site.
With a newly-resurfaced track at trainers’ and drivers’ disposal, the field has shaped up well, with several locals vying for a slice of the purse.
Nanneella’s Colin Godden will have the crowd behind him as he fights to lift the $14,500 Gunbower Pacing Cup with Ajay Breezy Rose, a five-year-old mare with an 11-win record from 64 starts.
Her last win was at Redcliffe in Queensland on October 12, though she comes into Sunday’s meeting off the back off a runner-up finish at Ballarat last Friday.
Kyabram’s Mick Blackmore is the sole local chance in the $14,500 Trotters Cup with a standing start, his eight-year-old gelding Jackson Square the favourite to take home the prize.
With 10 wins from 58 starts, Jackson Square’s last race was a winner at Melton on November 27.
Blackmore won’t look to change a winning formula, with John Caldow taking the driver’s reins once again.
Contesting the first race will be Torrumbarry trainer Faye McEwan, with Watch And Act aiming for his third win in start number 19, though McEwan has competition in the Tongala-trained Magic Maid.
Echuca trainer Mick McMahon has two chances for a winner, with Lagom lining up in race two and Dallas Nikolay in race nine.
The $4500 MVP Feeds Cohuna Pace over 2030m will see Echuca’s Susan Hunter and Fred McKenner go head-to-head with Lethal Lover and Cobber Mac, though Kialla-trained Hayjoshandco remains the bookies’ favourite at $3.20.
Another Echuca battle comes in race four, with Ros Rolfe and Wayne Lear entering runners in the $7000 3YO Maiden Pace over 2030m with Sergeant Major and Women Bella, though both will start from the second row.
Godden’s Sport Mental will be eyeing back-to-back wins when he takes on the $7000 Echuca Steel Sheds Pace over 2030m after triumphing at Shepparton on November 30.
The Nanneella trainer again pops up in the $7000 Mawson’s Pace over 2030m with Miss Victoria, a race in which Tongala’s Gary Merkel is in with a chance with Roslyn Gaye.
Echuca’s Stephen Mark is aiming to end the day on a high note, with Forest Force contesting the final pace over 2030m.
The first race gets under way at 1.09pm, with the final race to begin at 5.34pm.
Attendees must be double vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend the meeting, with COVID-19 marshals and security on-site to enforce the rule.
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