BUMPER nominations have ensured the Allandale Park Stud Orange Cup (1600m) will deliver a memorable end to the Racing Orange season on Friday.
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The Orange Cup meet is the last at Towac Park for the 2013-14 season, and has attracted 195 nominations across eight races.
Racing Orange executive officer Daniel Brincat said this could be one time wet weather had helped the club.
“There’s plenty there,” Brincat said.
“We have been a little fortunate in that we’re running on from other clubs being washed out recently. That may have helped us to a degree. Canberra was washed out last Friday and Nowra today [Monday].
“One good thing overall is it’ll guarantee a bumper meet with full fields by the looks of things. We’ll have 12 starters for the Cup and all other races will have 14.”
The Orange Cup has received 22 nominations.
“Certainly, on paper, there’s plenty of quality,” Brincat said.
“Some have already said the Cup doesn’t look as strong as last year. Last year was an extremely strong field for a country cup.
“With the quality trainers we’ve attracted, it should promise a positive end to our season.”
There is a chance the Orange Cup could stay at home this year with Orange trainer Alison Smith nominating Sapphire Princess for the big race.
Television presenter and former jockey Dean Pettit will be back trackside on Friday to share his knowledge.
“He’ll have the mounting yard mail and can let everyone know what looked best in the ring and what his tips are,” Brincat explained.
“We’re trying to replicate a metropolitan meet. Dean knows his racing and we really appreciate what he does for us.”
There will be a jockeys’ challenge on Friday with the winner taking home a $1000 gift voucher to Markey Saddlery.
Punters can get involved in the action from tomorrow afternoon when the TAB puts up a fixed odds market on the Cup.
Acceptances for the Friday meeting will be declared by 9am on Wednesday.