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By Mark Brassel

Local trainer Gary Colvin’s “little bulldog” can go one better for the stable in Thursday’s $24,000 Iron Jack Summer Sprint (1200m) at Wagga.

Colvin had to be content with the runner-up’s cheque when Snippet of Gold was beaten by Gold Touch in the 2020 running of the Sprint.

Wagga-based trainer Gary Colvin. Image by Kieren L. Tilly

The Colvin-trained Kurocaine will be his representative and is coming off a last-start second to Onsettling Down in a 1200m event at Wagga on Christmas Eve.

Prior to that the six-year-old hit the line strongly when fifth to Exotic Ruby at Randwick (Kensington Track).

“This bloke is very consistent and is a little bulldog,” Colvin explained.

“We don’t do much with him and he’ll just click over for Thursday – he doesn’t gallop of a morning as he’s a naturally fit horse.

“He’ll eventually get over 1400m as he’s settling better now; before he wanted to hammer early and go too hard.

“He is now more relaxed in his races we’re confident he can have the last crack at them.

“The horse is in really great shape and Jeff Penza will be riding.”

Emphasising Kurocaine's consistency is his record for the Colvin stable, having started 16 times for three wins and eight placings with 13 top-four finishes.

Stablemate Famous Filly will be having her second start in the $24,000 100 Club Available Now Maiden (1600m).

Impeccably bred by So You Think from Let’s Get Famous – a daughter of Danehill and Melbourne Cup/Caulfield Cup heroine Let’s Elope – Famous Filly finished down the track at Wagga on Christmas Eve in a 1400m maiden.

“A few trotting blokes from Young bought the horse and asked me to train her,” Colvin said.

“She’s been up for a while, so she’ll have this run and then I’ll turn her out for a break. She needs time and will want to get over more ground as she matures.”

Two of the other highlights on Thursday are the Riverina Crane Services heat of the Wagga Stayer Series (1800m) and the Coorparoo Park heat of the Rising Star Series (1600m).

Murrumbidgee Turf Club’s CEO, Jason Ferrario, said the club is looking forward to its first race meeting for 2022.

“We’re expecting to draw a big crowd of holidaymakers for a relaxing afternoon of racing,” he said.

Mr Ferrario added the countdown is on to the draw for MTC’s 100 Club, now into its 27th year.

“The 100 Club concept has been very successful. Many local businesses get involved and it’s a great way to look after our sponsors.

“Each year we have the odd business drop out and they’re lining up to take the spot, and aside from a host of other prizes, the winner gets naming rights for the Wagga Gold Cup in May.

“We have a gala evening where we draw the winner in a huge marquee trackside on Friday March 4."

Meanwhile, Racing Orange will hold its Kennards Hire Family Fun Day on Friday.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Taree, Moruya
Tuesday: Muswellbrook
Thursday: Wagga
Friday: Orange, Port Macquarie
Saturday: Glen Innes, Queanbeyan
Sunday: Nowra, Coffs Harbour