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By Mark Brassel

The powerful Kris Lees stable is likely to have a strong representation in next Sunday’s Gunnedah Cup which is another qualifying event for the $3 million The Big Dance at Royal Randwick in November.

Lees won last year’s Gunnedah Cup when Mayfair Spirit landed the cash with Andrew Gibbons aboard, relegating even-money favourite Akasawa into third place. Akasawa had to carry the massive steadier of 65.5kg having won the Gunnedah Cup the year prior with 63.5kg.

Mayfair Spirit (Andrew Gibbons; black & white checked cap) narrowly wins the 2024 Gunnedah Cup. Image by Bradley Photographers

The Lees stable has entered last start Newcastle winner Oakfield Prince, Group 1-placed Pier Pressure, Tasmanian Guineas winner Russian Roni and five-time winner Rogue Bear.

Oakfield Prince has won two of his past three starts with a Wyong victory before he was placed in the Wellington Cup behind Aimpoint.

Pier Pressure, who ran third to Militarize in the Inglis Sires’ as a youngster, has had one eye-catching run back from a spell when a solid fifth to Cool Jakey at the Hawkesbury Saturday Stand-alone meeting.

Trainer Mack Griffith has nominated his Mudgee Cup winner Osman with the gelding having been unplaced last time out on the Kensington Track at Randwick.

The $40,000 Gunnedah Cup (1600m) is supported by the $35,000 Lightning Showcase (1000m) and a $50,000 Showcase Super Maiden (1400m).

Gunnedah Jockey Club will host the eight-race TAB program with plenty of on-course entertainment including a Fashions on the Field with cash and voucher prizes, a TAB and on-course bookmakers, a full bar and live music.

There will also be a kids’ jumping castle, marquees and a coffee van with a free shuttle bus to the course from Gunnedah and Boggabri.

On Saturday’s Cup eve, a Calcutta will take place with prizes courtesy of TAB at the Courthouse Hotel from 6:30pm.

Also on Saturday is Murrumbidgee Turf Club’s Kristopher Graydon Jewellers Ladies Day at Wagga.

Only a couple of weeks after their highly successful two-day Wagga Cup Carnival, Saturday’s event will have free entry for ladies along with a Garden Party Precinct, a Fashions on the Field, music, prize giveaways, entertainment and delicious cocktails.

The 101st Moree picnics is on Saturday with a tradition of patrons encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to share with friends and family under the main marquee for the President’s Luncheon.

And the Moree Lions Club will be firing up the BBQ with delicious steak and sausage sandwiches available for purchase.

The raceday is unique as an evening dinner dance commences once the races have finished with popular Narrabri-based caterers Relish providing canapes and meals.

Meanwhile, Racing NSW made an early call during the week by adding a new Inverell raceday to the schedule this Friday following the abandonment of Coffs Harbour.

Coffs Harbour was rated a Heavy 10 after receiving 90mls of rain and with a further forecast for significant rainfall, the meeting was called off.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Port Macquarie, Corowa
Tuesday: Tamworth
Friday: Inverell
Saturday: Wagga (Riverside Track), Wauchope (non-TAB), Moree picnics (non-TAB)
Sunday: Gunnedah, Nowra