Stanthorpe Cup heads race day

Toowoomba trainer Tom Dougall and jockey Nathan Evans will hoping history can repeat itself at Armstrong Park tomorrow when they chase successive Central Motors Holden Stanthorpe Cup (1200m) victories.

The pair line up with 2016 race winner Sun Will Shine in the $12,000 cup which highlights Stanthorpe Jockey Club’s annual race day.

The club is anticipating an influx of 2000 racegoers on the day including more than 700 pre-booked marquee patrons.

The cup field is small in

numbers with only six acceptors but it looks sure to capture plenty of attention from punters with the appearance of top weight Agapantha for Toowoomba trainer Lindsay Hatch.

Dougall is hoping experience on the testing Armstrong Park track can work in favour of Sun Will Shine as he looks to topple the likely race favourite.

“We’ve had this race in mind for him for a while now,” Dougall said.

“The one little thing against him is not having a run for five weeks, but he went into the race with four weeks between runs okay last year.

“We’re hoping experience on the track is a big plus for him.

“The Stanthorpe track can be a bit tricky but we know he can get around there okay and it would be nice if he can make it two in a row. “It’s a great meeting. “The Stanthorpe committee do a fantastic job and it’s great to see them get such good support for what is always a terrific day.”