ARMIDALE jockey club secretary Jim Dedes said he almost had to pinch himself when he saw the final nominations for Friday’s Anzac Day meeting.
The club has traditionally hosted a non-TAB card on 25 April, but Dedes said it was rare to see such big numbers entered for the $6000 races.
“Since Sky Racing 2 was introduced there are a lot more TAB meetings now and trainers will travel further for them,” he said.
“There aren’t many non-TAB meetings left in NSW and there are a lot of horses that are suited to them.”
Dedes said many of the horses nominated for Friday’s card had probably been a victim of being “balloted out” of races at TAB programs.
“It costs the same to feed a horse, whether they are a Group 1 winner or a country maiden, and it’s nice to be able to put on races for the lesser types.”
There will be five races on Friday, with two maidens, a Benchmark 50 Handicap (1100m), Class 3 Handicap (1900m) and a Class 1 Handicap (1400m).
Wauchope-based trainer Colt Prosser looks to have a strong hand in the Benchmark 50 and Class 3 with Bossy Lad and Amber Alert respectively.
Prosser has enjoyed four wins and three seconds at Armidale this season from just 20 starters, making it a happy hunting ground.
