While a lot of eyes will be focused on Cheryl Crockett's Mackellar's Love on Saturday, the 2019 Gilgandra Cup winning trainer will likely be keeping both eyes glued to the track.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After an early January cancellation for the annual fixture due to extreme heat, rain and wet weather are now the primary concern for Crockett, who's hoping to claim another Cup win in 2020.
"I know the track's rated a soft five right now and that certainly suits Mackellar's Love, but we'll see what happens, I don't know just how much rain they might have had out there," Crockett said.
Despite what could be adverse conditions, or in the worst case another cancellation, Crockett is optimistic about Mackellar's Love and her chances, a feeling that's been boosted by the mare's recent winning form in Cowra.
"I think she still rates highly, she's going as well if not better now," Crockett said.
"The wide barrier shouldn't worry her, it didn't worry her at Cowra and I think it was ten out there, but over a mile, it won't really matter, there's a good, long straight down the back which will help."
In Cowra, Mackellar's Love claimed the Cowra Cup with jockey Richard Bensley, followed closely by Mathew Cahill atop Rinviata.
Cahill, a long time partner of the Crockett stable, will be in the saddle for Love's shot at another Gilgandra Cup.
"He rode last month in the Cowra Cup where he came in second behind her, he's ridden for us for many years, so he knows the way our horses go and he knows what to expect from her."
"She's got the right jockey in Mathew and I'd love her to win again, because that would make it seven Gilgandra cups we've won."
That possible seven cup win would be enhanced by a straight run of four, Cheryl's late husband Max has won four previous cups, with Lancelot winning in 2017, while son Cameron Crockett secured a win in 2018 with Artistic Beauty before Cheryl's win with Mackellar's Love in 2019.
"You never know, it was abandoned in January because it was too hot and now it could be washed out, but it's a race that they really need, so hopeful we'll be there and we'll be giving it our best," Crockett said.
If the fixture goes ahead on Saturday as planned, several hometown horses will also be present at the meeting, with Gilgandra trainer Bryan Dixon once again putting forward Song One and Outta Space and adding Penny's Bonitas and Sorry I'm Awesome to his chances in the Cup.
Kody Nestor will try with Mr Dumont, while Nyngan's Rodney Robb has nominated A Magic Zariz.
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS AND SPORT?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...