Reigning champion Ittakesluv is primed and ready to finally defend her Pleasant Creek Plate title in Stawell tomorrow.
Trained by Julie Brimacombe, Ittakesluv proved too resilient and swift to complete a clean sweep of the unique series in 2024.
The Plate, which was not conducted last season, requires pacers to contest 1785-metre heats at the beginning of the race meeting before backing up in a final at the end of the card.
Thanks to the club’s forward-thinking committee, the two heats are worth $5000, with the decider a $10,000 feature.
The first five from each heat will progress to the final, with the fastest sixth making up the field of 11.
Along with the lion’s share of the prizemoney, the winning connections will receive a trophy and rug.
“It is a great concept and we’re looking forward to being part of it again,” Brimacombe said. “It really suits a mare like her down to the ground as she has such a tremendous constitution that racing twice on the one day is not an issue.”
Ittakesluv will defend her throne in strong form, having finished second in Ararat a fortnight ago, which follows a win in Mount Gambier two starts earlier.
To be driven by Ryan Backhouse, the daughter of Tintin In America has drawn to search for her favourite role as pacemaker from barrier two.
“I’m very happy with the way she is going, although it will be harder this year,” Brimacombe said. “They have opened the conditions more this time, which means she’ll face some higher-class opposition.
“She has drawn well though as she does like to lead, so hopefully she can make the most of her draw in the heat and draw well again in the final.”
While the horses are the main focus, they won’t be the only athletes battling for glory along the home straight. The 2026 Stawell Trainer Driver Gift is sure to be a bit of fun, with Chris Alford, Michael Bellman and Luke Dunne all past winners.
Off the track there is plenty of family fun, including an all-important Easter Egg Hunt, egg and spoon race, jumping castle and various activities.
Raising more than $7000 for last year’s Good Friday Appeal, the club hopes to exceed the tally this time around.
