By Mark Brassel
Wagga trainer Gary Colvin is hoping he can finally snare a ticket to the Big Dance when his million-dollar galloper Another One tackles the Goulburn Cup first-up on Sunday.
Another One missed out on gaining his golden pass to the $3m Big Dance (run at Randwick in November) in the Goulburn Cup run late last year when third to Grebeni and Phearson, with only the first two receiving eligibility.
Colvin is confident his spritely seven-year-old can atone in this weekend’s $200,000 Goulburn Australia Goulburn Cup (1400m).
Another One has been relatively lightly raced for his age and has already won nine races and along with eight placings has returned his connections a tick over $1m in prizemoney.
“We’re very happy with him and he’s definitely heading to the Goulburn Cup,” Colvin said.
The horse has not raced since December but was impressive winning a Wagga trial on August 11.
“Blaike McDougall rode him in the trial for the first time and couldn’t get over how well he went,” Colvin said.
“Blaike said his wind was great and he’d have hardly blown out a candle afterwards.
“He’s a horse that has always been leggy but has strengthened up this time.
“Nick Heywood is booked to ride him at Goulburn, but it just depends on what weight the horse gets as Nick struggles to ride under 57 kilos.”
Another One has been an amazing horse, having raced at 10 different tracks and competed in three Highways in the city, won both Wagga Country Championships qualifiers, as well as winning the Championships Final at Randwick in 2022.
He’s also competed with distinction in the Wagga Town Plate, two Wodonga Cups (won it in 2023), a Kosciuszko, a Wagga Cup, Snake Gully Cup at Gundagai and has won a Ted Ryder Cup at Wagga.
“The Country Championships has been the big thing we’ve always aimed him at which is why we’ve had to keep him to around 1400m – but we’ve always thought he’ll get 2000m.”
Goulburn Race Club has a big day planned on Sunday featuring the Seib Racing Fashions on the Field with categories including best dressed lady, best dressed gent and premier millinery,” said GRC’s Jayne Hedley.
“And all on-track patrons will be eligible to enter the draw for a Jamala Wildlife Lodge package at Canberra Zoo valued at $3000.
“We still have some hire options available so for all raceday information and to purchase tickets head to our website.”
The Goulburn Cup meeting will also feature the 10th edition of The Guy Walter, a race named in honour of the Hall of Fame trainer.
This year Newgate Farm is offering a major incentive for winning connections with a complimentary stallion service to exciting sire North Pacific.
Meanwhile, Tweed River Jockey Club will also have a Big Dance qualifier on Friday with their $70,000 Riverview Hotel Murwillumbah Cup (1550m).
Cup Day features an eight-race card including the $50,000 Super Maiden and the $40,000 BF Charman Sprint.
UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Tuesday: Albury, Grafton
Thursday: Muswellbrook
Friday: Murwillumbah
Saturday: Tuncurry, Berrigan (non-TAB), Bingara (non-TAB)
Sunday: Goulburn, Narromine