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By Mark Brassel

The in-form Matthew Dunn stable at Murwillumbah, less than an hour’s float drive up the road, is expected to figure prominently at Friday’s Ballina Cup Day.

Dunn’s stable has been on fire in recent weeks having produced 14 winners from the stable’s last 46 runners at an impressive 30% strike rate.

Tribeca Star (Nash Rawiller) in winning form at Rosehill Gardens. Image by Bradley Photographers

Dunn will have one of the main fancies for the $65,000 Ballina RSL Club Cup (1590m) with Tribeca Star (Andrew Mallyon; gate six).

Although he’s never raced at Ballina, Tribeca Star (winner of $434,000 prizemoney) has trialled twice around the course.

And being a Country Championships winner at Lismore (1410m) he should handle the step up to 1590m for the first time.

The gelding has had two runs back from a four-month break, the latest when a closing third to Chief Witness at Eagle Farm (1400m).

“He’s come back well and the [tight] track will help,” Dunn said. “He will be racing over the distance for the first time and has never run more than 1410m.

“But in saying that, it’s not a dramatic rise and if ever he’s going to run a longer journey it’s now as he’s in great shape. He only quickens for 200-metres, so he’s got to be held up for that finishing burst.”

Dunn also has The Torque Xpress (Jett Newman; barrier five) in the Ballina Fair Class 2 Handicap (1400m), a promising type who has had four starts for two wins and second.

“He’s not a big guy but I really like this horse. He got back a fair way at Ipswich but really motored home to score.”

Another starter will be former Victorian galloper Tophet (Koala Farms Country Boosted Class 1, 1000m - Andrew Mallyon; gate two): “He will be having his first run for us, but he has trialled twice and both were good efforts. He was consistent down south and I’m sure he will fit in well up here.”

With the summer holidays in full swing a big crowd is assured for Ballina Cup Day which is part of the Summer Racing Carnival sponsored by Ballina RSL.

“We’ll all be getting revved up the previous day with Thursday’s Cup Calcutta at Ballina RSL from 6pm,” said Matthew Bertram, GM of Ballina Jockey Club.

“On Friday’s Cup Day there will be live music, food trucks and the Ballina Fair Fashions on the Field with more than $8,000 in prizes. As well there is bar and café facilities, a giant screen, full TAB and bookmakers and free bus transfers.

“The Ballina Cup also attracts eligibility for the $3 million Big Dance in November which is sure to draw a strong field.

“We also have a $100,000 Inglis Bonus race on the program for eligible horses in the Maiden Showcase Plate [1590m] and being a Racing NSW Country Showcase meeting $310,000 in prizemoney is on offer.”

The following day it’s Tuncurry-Forster Jockey Club’s famous Seafood Saturday Raceday featuring the best prawn rolls on the coast!

“It’s a fantastic day out with great entertainment for all ages, and we have plenty of covered areas for patrons to sit back, relax and enjoy some excellent racing and food,” said Julie Manning, TFJC’s vice-president/secretary.

“There will be live entertainment in the Paddock and the McQuillan Pavilion Function with spaces available for booking that are perfect for groups and special occasions.

“We also have gazebo catering options for a premium raceday experience with general entry just $10 and members $5. A free bus service will also be available to and from the event.

“And like the rest of the country, our Club has been deeply affected by the recent tragedy in Bondi so as a show of solidarity and support for the victims and their families, we have organised a raffle with proceeds donated to support those impacted.”

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Thursday: Wagga
Friday: Ballina, Moruya
Saturday: Tuncurry-Forster, Tumut
Sunday: Armidale, Cowra