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By Ray Hickson

The strength of Friday’s Tamworth Cup could be what works in Two Big Fari’s favour as he aims to qualify for the $2 million The Big Dance later this year.

Trainer Todd Howlett said getting in on the limit weight of 54kg is a boost to the tough gelding’s chances and he’ll go into the race with the benefit of an extra trial since his first-up fourth on a heavy track at Muswellbrook.

Two Big Fari ran a close sixth in the $200,000 Tamworth City Toyota Tamworth Cup (1400m) at his second run from a break a year ago with 56.5kg.

“I think the light weight is the big bonus,’’ Howlett said.

“He had a lot of weight first-up (60kg) and an apprentice so I thought he went good enough.

“I did think he needed an extra trial to have him right for Tamworth. I wasn’t expecting it to be a strong race like that but we were 13th in order of entry which is unusual for that type of race.”

The first and second horse from the Tamworth Cup will be eligible to enter the ballot for the inaugural Big Dance (1600m) at Randwick on November 1. Under the conditions, released earlier this week, the winners of the 25 selected country Cups have ballot preference over the second placed horses.

Two Big Fari wins a trial at Muswellbrook on April 13

Tamworth has attracted a number of metropolitan and provincial stables along with Sydney based jockeys like Brenton Avdulla, Rachel King and William Pike to support the meeting.

Howlett said he feels Two Big Fari is going as well if not better than in the 2021 edition, where he was beaten 0.7 lengths by High Court, and with the carrot of The Big Dance strengthening the field he’ll need to be if he’s to put himself in the finish.

The six-year-old, proven in city company with a BM78 win to his name and a second at Randwick on Boxing Day, only had two starts last preparation due to a foot issue.

“In the Cup last year we were interfered with a little bit and he didn’t get beaten far,’’ he said.

“He ran second at Randwick then he had a foot abscess so we had a bit of a mixed up preparation but I think we have him on track.

“He’s been a frustrating horse, a bit stop-start, but I am happy with him now.”

The Newcastle trainer sends Canny Prospect into the $35,000 Concrete Industry Supplies Romantic Dream Plate (1000m) on the back of a cheeky debut at Port Macquarie two Sundays ago.

The gelding finished second after trying to lead all the way.

“I’ll be honest, he surprised us a bit but he’s a tough little horse and I think he’s improved a bit since then,’’ Howlett said.

“He’ll be on speed there somewhere, going on what he’s done so far he should run well.”

All the fields, form and replays for Friday's Tamworth Cup meeting