By Casey O'Connor
You can almost hear the whips cracking, feel the excitement and smell the horses.
The Warwick Cup meeting is just a couple of sleeps away.
The committee and members of the Warwick Turf Club are putting the final touches on Allman Park in preparation for Saturday’s big 2021 Warwick Cup Day carnival.
The course is looking spectacular following the recent rain and come Saturday the stalls will be filled with horses and the Marquee filled with excited punters.
Nominations for the club’s premier event are excellent.
A total of 155 entries for the seven-race program had been received when nominations closed on Monday.
While weights are not released until after this publication is put to bed there are outstanding nominations for the $30,000 Warwick Cup.
In total there are 22 nominations for the Warwick Credit Union Cup. Matt Kropp, a prolific winner of Country Cups, has nominated The Minivan and the well credentialed Tears of Love. Tears of Love is a winner at Eagle Farm and Doomben and Toowoomba and rates highly in the field. Kropp is shooting for three Cups on the trot after back-to-back wins in 2019 and 2020 with Rosie Posie.
Toowoomba trainer Michael Nolan has nominated handy front-runner Treasure of Gold.
Another Toowoomba galloper Factory Warrior from the Mark Currie stable has travelled plenty of miles.
In his past four starts he has raced at the Rockhampton Mackay Townsville and Toowoomba.
The winner of six races in his career he is certain to know his way onto the float but will be having his first look at the Warwick track.
Among the nominations for the Cup are the Leo Roche Colpo Di Tamburo; Gradioso and Test of War from the Les Clarke yard and Sistine Avenue trained by Scott Barker.
This is sure to be another hotly contested Warwick Cup.
The prestigious Fraser’s Livestock Transport Newmarket Handicap is another race drawing plenty of interest from trainers and connections.
The race run over the 1100moetre sprint distance carries $15,000 in prizemoney.
Matt Kropp brings one of the fancied runners to this race.
Wait A Minute has had four starts at Allman Park for two wins and two seconds and should be well in the finish.
Another that appeals is the Corey and Kylie Geran trained See For Yourself who has also had two starts on the track for a win and a placing.
Local galloper Viceman takes his place in the field and although trained on the track are yet to win at home.
Another local galloper is eight year old Glenbawn Duchess who has had plenty of racing in her career and although a previous winner here is hard to have on recent form.
Gates open at 11.00am for the seven race programme which is a ticketed event. Tickets must be prepurchased via Eventbrite.
General Admission tickets $22 per person. If you would like to reserve a table (seats up to 10) $50 extra to secure per table.
Due to standing covid restrictions no outside food is allowed on the course.
There is an option to purchase Entertainer’s, Ploughman’s or Picnic grazing boxes from our kitchen.
Options are posted on Eventbrite as addons.
Kidszone Australia Trackside Pavilion seating is limited – tickets $80 per person (18 plus area only).
A Buffet lunch and dessert are included.
Enjoy the Private bar, great view with a newly finished sandstone terrace.
After the last entertainment will be provided by Entertainment by Sleeping Dogs.
Fashionistas will be competing for more than $5,000 worth of cash and prizes in Fashions on the Fields sponsored by Rose City Shopping.
Judges will be scouting the crowd for finalists in three categories – Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Man and Best Dressed Couple.
Before the whips begin cracking on Saturday, the Warwick Turf Club will host the Warwick Sandstone Warwick Cup Calcutta on Friday evening commencing at 6.30pm at the Warwick Turf Club.
Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
Please RSVP for catering purposes via Eventbrite if you are planning to attend.
Enjoy light refreshments and cash bar.
Special guest is form analysist Blair Gibson of www.brissyraces.com.au
