03 October 2022 | HRNSW MEDIA | MICHAEL DUMESNY
THE name ‘Day’ has been synonymous with the prestigious Eugowra Canola Cup since its inception in 1999.
And it was one of Goulburn’s best trainers in Neil Day that embraced and dominated the unique event, winning the country feature on six occasions including its inaugural running with Pocket Vance.
Although he will not contest this afternoon’s Kriden Farms Canola Cup himself, Neil will watch the race with interest as his family is strongly represented.
Day’s daughter Amy is taking her place in the $30,000 final, driving Ice Blaster who ran second in his heat for up and coming Murrumbateman trainer Corey Parker.
And then he has three nephews contesting the race with Todd Day to drive The Rouge I Am which was an impressive heat winner while Scott and Brad Hewitt who are the sons of his sister Maree each having drives.
Scott qualified Lulu Lucifer when she ran third behind Smooth Bon Bon while Brad will partner Blazing Banner which also ran third in the heat won by Pas De Cheval which broke the long standing Eugowra track record.
Luck in running will play a critical role in today’s final, unlike the days when Neil was usually aboard favoured runners, but Todd’s filly could very well be the dark horse in the field.
Day who trains a small team at Young remains quietly confident that The Rouge I Am has strong claims this afternoon after her strong heat win, believing that her gate eight draw could land her in a perfect trailing position.
“I could not be happier with things heading into the final today,” said Todd.
“We have a good draw and a happy and healthy horse, so I am really looking forward to today’s Cup.”
But Day admits that his filly, like others drawn off the back row will need a solid tempo to be set up front to give them the opportunity to be able to run down the leaders.
“Last week the speed was perfect for my filly, and she come on strongly down the lane.”
“The same will need to happen this week for us to be able to get into the race.”
It is an early 11:44am start for the Eugowra meeting today and a big crowd is expected to witness one of the great days of harness racing.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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