Mention Birchip within harness racing circles and the praise will quickly flow for the town’s annual cup meeting.
And while respected horseman Shane Sanderson is only new to the Victorian training ranks, he’s certainly heard about this famous once-a-year gathering that has everyone talking.
Sanderson is setting his sights on a maiden trip to the Birchip races this Sunday where a whole heap of fun – and good racing – is assured.
“I’ve only been here the 12 months and I’ve certainly heard about the Birchip Cup meeting more than once that’s for sure,” Sanderson, who is based in Charlton, said.
“Everyone that goes says it’s a great day…”
Sanderson is only taking a small team of two to Birchip, but looks to have a great chance in one of the day’s features, the Sharp’s Bakery Mallee Bull Pacing Cup (2150m).
He will prepare Platinum Stride for the $4500 event, with son Ryan to take the drive of the four-year-old winner of six races.
“He’s going good. He’s a nice little horse. He’s no superstar, but I think he’ll end up doing a pretty good job to be honest,” Sanderson told Trots Talk.
“I expect him to do a reasonable job this time in, hopefully. I think he’s up to Saturday night class anyway.
“His first-up run was very good (at Swan Hill on February 17) and he’s been a couple of weeks in between runs now. I think it looks like a suitable race for him.”
While Sanderson will be hoping for a stable success in the Mallee Bull Pacing Cup, he will still manage a smile if key rival Cee Cee In America can overcome a wide back row draw around the tight circuit. His daughter Abbey is booked to drive the Joe Thompson-trained gelding, who is likely to start as one of the well-fancied chances in betting.
Earlier in the day, Jim Barker-trained Glorious Finale will attempt to win the TMC enviro Mallee Bull Trotters Cup (2150m) from a handicap of 70m.
The horse finished last in the race in 2021 and has a huge task ahead of him 12 months on.
The likely favourite is Daryl Crone’s Indefensible, who is off 20m first-up from a spell.
Tim O’Connor will be on track to join caller Luke Humphreys for the TrotsVision coverage, with the first of five races set to go at 2.34pm.
Visit the Birchip Harness Racing Club’s Facebook page for more information on the day.
LISTEN TO SHANE SANDERSON ON THIS WEEK’S EPISODE OF TROTS TALK BELOW:
TUNE IN at BIRCHIP on Sunday afternoon
First Race: 2.34pm Last Race: 5.14pm
Racecaller: Luke Humphreys with Tim O’Connor on TrotsVision.
TrotsVision: WATCH LIVE
SEN Track: LISTEN LIVE
RSN 927: LISTEN LIVE
LUKE HUMPHREYS ON BIRCHIP Sunday
RACE 5: O’CONNORS CASE IH PACE (2ND HEAT)
EARLY SPEED: 1, 2, 3, 4? 5?
SELECTIONS: ASMILEANDAWINX (8), IMPERIALS REASON (4), EARS PONDER (3), FEROCIOUS SON (5)
RATINGS: 8 / 4 / 3 / 5 / 2 / 7 / 6 / 1
SUGGESTED BET: Flexi trifecta 4, 8 / 4, 8 / 2, 3, 5 ($20 gets 333.33%)
For tips and speedmaps for all races visit Good Form at thetrots.com.au
Winner of the Week
LEAP TO FAME, by Bettors Delight out of Lettucereason, winner of the Australian Pacing Gold NSW Derby at Menangle on March 5.
Breed your next winner with Woodlands Stud, supporter of Trots Centre
