David Aiken (33 points) and Glenn Douglas (29 points) will battle out honours for Trainer of the Year, while Aiken’s Higherthananeagle is poised to take out Horse of the Year, with there only a slim chance Kyabram’s Dallas Nikolay, reined by Ellen Tormey, could level on points with a win in the Pat Barretts Tyre Service Pace.
Driver of the Year honours are still open and, while Kima Frenning (37 points) and Ryan Duffy (34 points) lead the charge, Bendigo’s Tormey could cause an upset with a big afternoon on the track from her six engagements.
Featuring on the program is the Aldebaran Park 3YO Trot. Duncan McPherson is a leader in the trotting world and is also a great supporter of the square gaiter. He has provided a free service to one of his resident stallions at the Nagambie Stud for the winning owner.
Cobram Electrical and Data and Bell/Kearney Excavation have also provided significant support for the races named in their honour.
The Bell/Kearney Excavation 2YO Pace is likely to be fought out between the two colts — Yianni, trained by Amanda Turnbull, and the Patrick Ryan-trained Hesty for local owner Gary Hawthorn
The ability of David Aiken’s filly Secret Identity is an unknown and could well surprise as the Aiken stable is always competitive.
The Cobram Electrical and Data Pace sees the Turnbull-trained Ellemers Hoofing NZ in fine form and poised to continue his winning ways, having saluted in his past three outings at the hands of the talented Zac Phillips to chalk up six career wins.
The reliable eight-year-old Kotare Mahdi NZ, trained by Glenn Douglas, cannot be overlooked having chalked up 20 career wins and 47 placings and, with his favourite Monique Burnett in the cart, is not out of contention.
The Cobram Betta Home Living Final will be a thriller, with the in-form Roslyn Gaye with class young reinsman in the sulky likely to continue her winning ways with a favourable draw.
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