Bathurst Harness Racing Club chief executive officer Danny Dwyer said the change was to introduce extra interest for the race.

“It’s just something the club thought would make for a little bit of difference. The race has previously started under a mobile start and it has always been good and strong field,” he said.

“With the prizemoney getting up to a high level, we thought it would create a little bit interest and make it a little more attractive for some other horses getting handicaps over some of the other higher class runners.”

Dwyer said some trainers, like Eglinton’s Nathan Hurst, have been preparing themselves for the race. 

“Some of the Nathan Hurst runners have qualified from a standing start in the last week,” he said.

“Saloon Passage is the pick of those. He comes into this race just winning the Temora Cup. He hasn’t had a lot of experience from the stand but he’s only coming off the 10 metre handicap, so he’s going to be in with a chance.”

New Zealand horses such as Amanda Turnbull’s Parramatta, also bring more experience with the standing start, with the method more common across the ditch.

Overall, the Oberon Cup is a chance for the Bathurst Harness Racing Club to give back to a community the races frequently at the club.

“There’s a lot of trainers based in Oberon and a lot race their horses in Bathurst,” Dwyer said.

“Saloon Passage is part owned by one of our club life members and Oberon local in Ray Mawhood, who’s not in good health at the moment. It’ll be good to hopefully see Ray here at the track and see his horse go round in his cup which is sponsored by his business Mawhoods Mitre 10.

“It’s within the top five meetings for the club. All the races are sponsored by local businesses from the Oberon area.

“It’s a good meeting, in general, with good fields.”