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By Graeme White

Villasaurus ($4.20 on TAB) returns to racing at Wagga on Friday in the feature event, the $32,000 Riverina Tool Centre Stan Sadleir Stakes (1400m).

The five-year-old broke his maiden status at Wagga and is yet to finish outside of the top three at the course.

In fact, he has finished in the top three at nine of his 13 starts with his two latest starts below his best at Warwick Farm and also Flemington.

Villasaurus (Tyler Schiller) returns after scoring at Rosehill Gardens. Image by Bradley Photographers

The gelding was sent for a spell after his latest start on May 17 and has since finished second in a barrier trial at Albury behind Canny Hell whom he opposes on Friday.

Canny Hell ($5) has had a couple of starts back from a spell finishing fourth first-up at Wagga in the Ian Reid Sprint and was last at Flemington on September 13.

Trainer Kym Davison has Canny Hell ready to go with the top weight of 60kg;  some 3kg more than Villasaurus.

Canny Hell excels at this level having won the Country Championships qualifier where he accounted for Villasaurus which ran third.

“I’m happy with him and it’s this time of the year where these country races are on and they suit him,” Davison said.

Canny Hell and Villasaurus are likely to also contest the Gundagai Snake Gully Cup (1400m) on Friday November 14. It’s the 40th year for the two-day carnival which will offer $500,000 prizemoney.

Wagga galloper Future Fund is the $4 favourite for the Stan Sadleir which honours the long-term treasurer of the Southern Districts Racing Association.

Meanwhile, in terms of longevity it’s hard to not be drawn to Will To Excel ($3.80) in the Delta Star Designs The Road To The Jericho Mountaineer Cup (3200m).

This is the fifth consecutive year Will To Excel has run in the race winning in 2022 and again last year.

“He has also finished third twice when it was over 2500 metres. He is one of the old horses who keeps chipping away and if the speed is on it suits him,” said trainer James Ponsonby.

“He likes the long straights and if the track keeps improving with the good weather it is ideal for him.

"The top one Scarli Japali ($3.80) is the horse to beat on her recent runs in better company. She has to give Will To Excel five kilograms which is a fair bit of weight over the two miles.”

Will To Excel is a last start winner at Wagga over 2400m where he defeated fellow contender Goofinator ($3.60 favourite). Will To Exccel is raced by Ponsonby’s wife Keryn as well as friends John Ingram and Jackson Smart.

The track is rated a Soft 5 with the rail in the TRUE position for the Tradies Raising Hope For Steph raceday.

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Wagg Wagga here