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By Mark Brassel

Talented performer Fawkner Park accentuated the class required to take out the Wagga RSL Wagga Gold Cup when he powered home to take out last year’s version of the $200,000 Stakes event - and Friday’s version will be no different.

Fawkner Park won the Albury Cup on his way to his Wagga victory and then ventured north to the Queensland Winter Carnival.

The gelding finished third in the Group 1-Doomben Cup behind last weekend’s tearaway winner Bois D’Argent before claiming the Gr 2-Q22 by nearly four lengths, relegating subsequent Melbourne Cup winner Knight’s Choice into second position.

Jockey Tyler Schiller returns aboard Fawkner Park after winning last year's Wagga Gold Cup

Fawkner Park has since won the Rosehill Cup and was third behind Via Sistina in the Group 1-Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill, franking the Wagga form.

Friday’s Wagga Gold Cup (2000m) has attracted some excellent entries including Albury Cup winner Matusalem from the Chris Waller stable.

Waller has also entered Medatsu, Scarlet Oak and Molly Bloom, with the former running fifth to his stablemate at Albury; runner-up Beltoro and third placegetter My Brothers Keeper are also nominated for the Wagga Cup.

“Without a doubt, competitive racing is always a highlight of our carnival with many of the horses that compete across the two days going on to win more races at a higher level,” said Jason Ferrario, Murrumbidgee Turf Club’s CEO.

“The near $1 million prizemoney on offer is very attractive and is a wonderful carrot to dangle at owners and trainers.”

The first of the two-day Wagga Gold Cup Carnival features the $200,000 Tooheys Wagga Town Plate on Thursday before Wagga Gold Cup Day on Friday.

And the Wagga Gold Cup winner is then eligible for the $3 million Big Dance run at Royal Randwick in November.

Other highlights on Cup Day include the $80,000 JRC Electrical Services MTC Guineas (1600m) and the $75,000 Byrne Trailers Queen of the South (1400m).

“Our Wagga Gold Cup Carnival is the MTC’s most exciting time of the year, where we are able to showcase everything we have on offer and host Country NSW’s largest and most successful racing carnival,” Ferrario said.

“Last year's carnival was a raging success with many attendees hailing the event to be best we’ve staged – there were 9500 in attendance on Gold Cup Day and 3000 on Town Plate Day and we had a record number of marquees and record bar sales.

“All marquees have been booked out again and hospitality sold out very quickly. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are poured into the local economy with accommodation being sold out months in advance.”

MTC’s Sales, Events & Marketing Manager, Cass Writer added: “The Kristopher Graydon Jewellers Fashions on the Field competition is an integral part of our carnival with an amazing pool of over $20,000 in prizes.

“The Punters Paddock will return across both days where there’ll be tips and commentary from expert presenter Lizzie Jelfs.

“And the Tanqueray Cocktail Lounge will return for the second year in a row with exclusive trackside views, premium beverage and food offerings, and of course great company.”

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Goulburn
Tuesday: Ballina, Quirindi
Thursday: Wagga
Friday: Wagga, Muswellbrook
Saturday: Casino, Binnaway (non-TAB), Boorowa picnics (non-TAB)
Sunday: Dubbo, Sapphire Coast