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By Graeme White

Trainer Stirling Osland has mapped out a busy racing schedule for his team over the next few days with a large contingent set to race at Grafton on Friday.

Trainer Stirling Osland (Pic: Bradley Photos)

Osland, who prepares some 20 thoroughbreds at Armidale, will start five horses at Grafton before switching over to Saturday where Point Counterpoint will carry the number one saddlecloth in the TAB Highway at Kembla Grange.

He will also have four starters at Inverell on Saturday giving him 11 starters over three meetings.

“Point Counterpoint has been down there for a few days, but it’s still busy at home with a lot of horses racing,” he said.

“Hopefully there is a few winners there over the weekend.”

Osland’s schedule is no different to most trainers living and breathing racing 24/7, but even by his standards it’s a busy time with multiple runners at Grafton, Inverell and just the top weight at Kembla Grange.

The systems implemented to make it all happen take some organising with staff and horses needed to be transported to various tracks- sometimes on the same day.

Osland’s Grafton team are headed by last start winner In Heart’s Wake and also the lightly raced and promising, Golden Point.

In Heart’s Wake is coming off a first-up victory at Grafton and the trainer expects her to progress further for the Xmas Race Day Marquee (1400m).

“Her second-up record is very good with two wins and three placings from six starts so if she follows that through she will be competitive,” he said.

“It’s a step up in grade again from a Benchmark 66 to open class but she has been competitive at that level before being placed in the Guyra and Walcha Cups.”

Osland is In Heart’s Wake’s second trainer and when she won last time it was her first victory for him after some consistent performances.

The six-year-old has already earned over $150,000 from her four wins and 11 placings from 29 starts.

She will jump from barrier seven with jockey Ashley Morgan aboard.

Osland feels In Heart’s Wake and Golden Point are his best hopes of finding success on a competitive program.

“I accepted in eight races, but only five horses will start including a couple in the maiden race,” he said.

“In Heart’s Wake and Golden Point are always competitive, but the races are always hard so you just have to see how they go.

“In Heart’s Wake has the same jockey as last start and will carry a lighter weight, but she also goes up in grade.”

Top Me Up Again is close to breaking through after being placed at his only two starts for new trainer Paul Shailer.

The galloper’s last start second in the Kempsey Cup indicated he was nearing another win and the 1400 metres is also in his favour as three of his five victories have been at the distance.

Shailer will also be represented by last start Port Macquarie winner Relucent who has to carry the top weight of 61 kilograms.

In Heart’s Wake will carry six kilograms less which Osland hopes can be an advantage.

Meanwhile, Golden Point will start from barrier one in the Book A Xmas Race Day Table Class 1 (1200m) which could work in his favour in a highly competitive race.

Golden Point won his only start at Grafton on a heavy track breaking his maiden status by more than two lengths on October 19.

Golden Point runs second at Armidale on November 7

The four-year-old ran second at his next start at Armidale when the tighter turning track wasn’t as suitable, according to his trainer.

The return to Grafton and the inside alley are in his favour, but it’s a tougher test than last start against the likes of recent winners Alf’s Magic, Tabulam, Thunder Moon and Hey Wayne.

“He was held up a bit at Armidale and the bigger track at Grafton will suit him,” Osland said.

“He should be able to get a nice run from the draw and hopefully finish over the top of them.

“I’m confident he will run a big race and he is my best chance, while In Heart’s Wake should give her race a shake as well.”

It’s a massive ten race program with the meeting to be conducted on a good surface.

All the fields, form and replays for Friday's Grafton meeting