With Temora’s annual cup Carnival approaching, Wagga makes the rare shift to Thursday afternoon and Illabo trainer Peter Sims has a very strong hand in six events.
On February 7, Sims prepared five winners at Temora, with three returning to Wagga – Moment Of Bliss (race three), Sycamore Iris (five) and Short Ticket (10).
“Peter has eight runners on the card and, while it’s a competitive day, I won’t be surprised if he returns home with another swag of winners,” Wagga Secretary Manager John Patton said.
“The depth (of competition) is terrific and we’ve been really buoyed by Tuesday’s announcement of a Country Challenge series by Greyhound Racing NSW.
“They’ve pumped an extra $1m into prizemoney for remainder of this financial year with much of the increased prizemoney pointed towards 500m racing and beyond.
“In June, we will conduct our heat over 525m of the Challenge, with the winner progressing to Wentworth Park where $50,000 is on offer.”
Before the Country Challenge commences, Wagga will add an extra $33,000 to prizemoney in their May cup carnival.
“We are mindful of ‘spreading the love’ to all and, for the second time, value is added to a 400m contest where trainers will only be eligible if they’ve been consistently racing at this track.”
“It’s exciting times and the quality of dogs in the Riverina is very good.”
The best bet on Wagga’s 11-race card looks to be Peter Sims’ Short Ticket in race 10.
She’s been ultra-impressive in two sub-19-seconds wins over 330m at Temora this month and, from box one, is expected to maintain her unbeaten record. Her turn of foot is explosive.
