David Braithwaite
THE $50,000 Maffra Cup will be held on Sunday at Greenwattle Racecourse.
Unlike last year’s race, which happened in the early days of COVID restrictions, spectators will be allowed to attend the meeting.
The number of spectators will be capped at 1000 spectators.
Tickets can only be purchased online from www.country.racing.com/sale, with seated dining packages available until noon Friday and general admission until 9am Sunday.
Ticket holders will be allocated an area to be based in, with patrons now able to
stand around the mounting yard before races and move towards the track for races.
The field for the 1400 metre feature race (race seven) is scheduled for 3.55pm.
Before being freshened for four weeks, Copper Fox finished second over 1300m at Wangaratta.
Galactus has finished third and second at Sandown in his previous two starts, both over the Maffra Cup distance.
Fatigues finished fifth in a $60,000 race (1200m) at Moonee Valley last month, but last year had wins over 1400m at Flemington and Cranbourne.
The first of nine races for the day, a maiden plate over 1200m at 12.20pm), has been named in honour of Allan Douch. The Traralgon-based trainer, who used the Sale facilities, died this month, aged 74.
Two entrants, American Anthem and Tywina, have top three placings from their limited number of runs.
Race two, the 1400m maiden plate for three-year-old fillies has only six runners, among them is Reward For Rosie, who finished second over 1400m at Cranbourne this month.
Bishop Rock, trained locally by Susie Wells, returns from a 23-week spell in the race three 1400m maiden plate. The gelding’s previous preparation included a third placing and two fourths.
Also in the race is Blue Angel, who finished second in a solid debut this month.
In race four, a 2200m maiden plate, features many horses who may not be far away from breaking their maiden status. Salto Angel and Tictoc Tictoc are coming off second placings, while Girraway, Through Irish Eyes, Ausbred L’or and Chenin Blanc came third in their most recent starts.
Among the chances for race five, the 1100m benchmark 64 handicap, Cranc has won both his races over 1100m for Ciaron Maher, while Lady Dunmore is also a last start winner. After finishing ninth at Sandown last start, Breasley will be stepping back in class, having finished third at Sale in January.
In race six, a benchmark 58 handicap over 1400m, Wells’ Elvaric return after a four-week freshening. The mare had a win at Sale and second placing at Mornington during her previous preparation.
Manning Road finished well to place third last start at Sale, and returns to Greenwattle for race eight, the 1717m benchmark 64 handicap. Ellmanknifico will be looking to back up after winning over 1400m on debut last month at Bendigo.
In race nine, the 1200m class one handicap, Keep On Bopping has a win and two second placings this preparation, Hawkstone placed third in his recent runs at Moe and Sale, and Five Star Decanter won by debut at Echuca over 1200m.
