Back to defend the $35,000 Moama Bowling Club Echuca Pacing Cup he won at Frank Ryan Raceway last year, the Brent Lilley-trained Sicario will face stiff competition to retain his crown.
Avenel-trainer David Aiken will be hoping driver and son Josh can guide Malcolm’s Rhythm to a strong finish after a number of runner-up placings recently, while the Emma Stewart-trained Like A Wildfire looms as a bookie’s favourite after taking out the Charlton Pacing Cup on Sunday.
With 11 races on the card, there will be plenty of home-grown talent to cheer on, with as many as 10 local trainers in the mix.
In the $14,000 JA Connelly Crystal Bucket, last year’s winner Father Christmas will line up for another crack at the standing start feature.
But with the veteran 10-year-old not having won an event since that very race last year, he could face tough competition from Dynamic Legacy – trained by Tongala’s Michael Watt – who is in with a chance after a standing start win at Echuca back in December.
The $7000 VHRC Echuca Cup Weekend Getaway Pace – ninth on the card - could prove the best shot for a local hero, with three district chances among the field of runners.
Four-year-old mare Where’s Wood Wood has finished well in Echuca and Charlton recently so should give Echuca-trainer Wayne Lear plenty of consideration, while a fast start for the Fred McKenner-trained Cobber Mac could see the eight-year-old in with a chance if he can lead coming into the sprint.
In the opening race of the night – the Molloys Food Vans 3YO Pace - Geoff Allen’s Stormboy Star and Ros Rolfe’s Dallas Patrick are shaping as worthy picks for places, while Bella Lucy and Wanda could do well in the final two races of the meet for Nanneella’s Greg Albert and Torrumbarry’s Faye McEwan respectively.
Gates open at 5.30 pm with the first race scheduled for 5.52 pm. The last of the 11 races will be contested from 10.47 pm.
Bookings are essential and can be made by heading to www.eventbrite.com.au/e/echuca-pacing-cup-2021-tickets-145171693443.
General admission is $10 for adults with children under 15 free to attend.
There will be plenty of action off the track too, with live music, and various food and drink options available. An on-course bookmaker will also be available.
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