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By Mark Brassel

Kembla Grange trainer Brett Lazzarini wishes there was a Big Dance qualifying race at Canterbury Park, although he believes he has the next best thing on Friday.

Lazzarini prepares the talented Wild Chap, a runaway winner at Canterbury Park last start. In fact, the horse has been around that course on four occasions and has maintained an unbeaten record.

On Friday, Wild Chap will compete in the $70,000 Riverview Hotel Murwillumbah Cup with first and second becoming eligible for the $2 million The Big Dance (1600m) at Royal Randwick on Tuesday 1 November.

Wild Chap and Reece Jones power away to score at Canterbury Park last time out. Image by Bradley Photographers

“I’m very happy for the horse to be going around Murwillumbah as the track is a similar shape to Canterbury,” Lazzarini explained.

“He is coming along well and I’m looking forward to the race, hopefully, we can go one-two and be eligible for The Big Dance.

“He is a horse that likes wet tracks so it would be an advantage if there’s a bit of rain about.”

Lazzarini said he is likely to also take up Eau Vite for the 9½-hour trip to Murwillumbah.

“I will break up the trip as it’s too far in one go, and I’ll probably take up a travelling companion in Eau Vite.

“She goes alright and is a filly that has only had the one start. Not sure if I’ll start her but she’ll come up anyway.”

Eau Vite caught the eye finishing third at Moruya on 2 August after the Headwater filly raced greenly but made up many lengths down the home straight.

Timothy Booth, CEO of Tweed River Jockey Club, said the region is looking forward to a massive day on Friday.

“We’re thrilled to welcome back crowds to one of the biggest events on the Tweed/Murwillumbah social calendar – Riverview Hotel Murwillumbah Cup Day,” Mr Booth said.

“The Murwillumbah Cup has grown to become an iconic part of the Northern Rivers social and racing calendar.

“The prizemoney for the Riverview Hotel Murwillumbah Cup meeting is now $290,000 with the Cup worth $70,000 in prizemoney.

“The Riverview Hotel Murwillumbah Cup (1550m) is one of 25 qualifying races for the $2m The Big Dance at Royal Randwick on November 1.

“The co-feature on Cup Day will be the $40,000 Boutique Thoroughbreds Tweed Newmarket Handicap (1200m).

“With an eight-race Country Showcase TAB program, large on-track stadium-sized screens, several bars and an outstanding selection of quality foods, the day will certainly not disappoint.

“There are several hospitality options for all racegoers from the Stone & Wood Precinct or the Galloper’s Restaurant. Otherwise, our public bars and bistro will be open throughout the complex for all racegoers to enjoy!”

The Murwillumbah Cup Calcutta will be held from 6:30pm on Thursday (18 August) at Riverview Hotel in Murwillumbah: “A total of 10% from the starting pool is donated to the ‘Kids on the Border’ charity.”

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Grafton, Gunnedah
Tuesday: Albury
Friday: Murwillumbah
Saturday: Gilgandra, Berrigan (non-TAB), Cobar picnics (non-TAB)
Sunday: Nowra, Muswellbrook