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By Julieanne Horsman

On the eve of the $500k Newhaven Park Country Championships Final trainers have shared their thoughts on each of the 16 runners. Some are confident and others are just enjoying the ride but every horse that lines up tomorrow will be having the biggest start of its career to date.

Victorem

“He’s drawn a good barrier and should get a nice run. I have a talented and happy horse so I am hopeful of a happy day but a bit of luck never goes astray.” – Jenny Graham.

Shelley Beach Road

“We’re on the way. Shelley has travelled before and doesn’t mind the trip. She’s never raced over 1400m but with the good gate she will get her chance. We’re confident she is a genuine each-way chance tomorrow.” – Glen Hodge.

Pumpkin Pie

“I couldn’t be happier with her. She is turning inside out and is ready to run a good race tomorrow.” – Danny Williams.

Acquittal

“The horse is very well and fresh and we are hoping he will run well.” – Danny Williams.

Cosmologist

“We’ll head down early tomorrow morning. I have decided to keep him in his box at home where he is comfortable and happy. He’s really well and I’ve had no concerns with him since qualifying. Realistically he is a roughie but he’s earned his place in the race and if it comes down to a tough horse winning then he’s right in it.” – Dean Mirfin.

Noel’s Gift

“He went better in the heat than we expected him to. We’re not expecting a result tomorrow but we’re really enjoying the experience. My daughter and her fiancé are excited about the weekend in Sydney. I will be happy if the horse and rider return safely.” – Gayna Williams.

O’ So Hazy

“This is our Golden Slipper. Everything we've asked O’ So Hazy to do, she's stepped up and done it. I can't fault her going in it and just I'm so excited to get there and just have a crack at it.” – Scott Spackman.

Bennelong Dancer

“She’s been working well this week and arrived safe and sound in Sydney this morning. She’s drawn well for a change so I am hoping to see her up on the speed. She won’t be leading but better than midfield would be ideal so she can work into it from there.” – Graham Hulm.

Snitz

“He travelled down to Sydney on Wednesday and everything is well with him. He drew barrier so I am hoping they go along pretty fast stringing out the field so he can slot in somewhere. He’ll need a bit of luck but he is in great shape.” – Matthew Dunn.

Ferniehirst

“She’s travelled down nicely. I would have preferred a bit of rain this week but as long as the track isn’t too firm she will run a good race. She looks and feels well. Let’s see what happens.”

Suncraze

“He’s on his way to Sydney today and has had an ideal preparation. We’re looking forward to a great race tomorrow.” – Melanie O’Gorman.

Caerless Choice

“He’ll come down tomorrow. We’re happy with him leading into the race. It’s very competitive but we think he is a top three chance.” – Paul Messara.

Good Host

“He’s good as gold. He’s done everything right so far. I don’t mind that he’s drawn a wide gate because it should keep him out of trouble. We’ll leave it up to Jake, He knows how to ride him and can assess the situation as he goes.” – Justin W Stanley.

Sea Lady

“She should finish top 5. It suits her better if they go like mad up front. She’ll go back and hopefully she’ll go at the 400m not the 700. Her splits are pretty good for the 400 and she’s every chance in that big straight at Randwick.” – Wayne Martyn.

Don’t Give A Damn

“He came through the Wild Card exceptionally well. He’s really gone forward since the run and I think he is going to be extremely hard to beat.” – Danny Williams.

My Tagoson

“He pulled up really well after the Wild Card. He needs them to run along really quickly and to come back to him. He’s a good each way chance.” – Rod Northam.

View the form (including race replays) for every horse in the Country Championships Final here.