Wangaratta trainer Dan McCarthy has declared his slick sprinter Ashlor a certain starter in today's Wagga Town Plate.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The $160,000 feature is one the most highly-anticipated races in the Southern District in recent memory with Lord Von Costa and News Girl also among the final acceptors.
The star trio are regarded as the three best credentialled gallopers based in the North East and the Riverina.
IN OTHER NEWS
McCarthy said the wetter the better for Ashlor who has come up with the horror gate of barrier 20.
"The barrier draw hasn't done us any favours but I still want to go around," McCarthy said.
"From a racing perspective it's an exciting race to be a part of with probably the three best horses in the area potentially clashing for the first time.
"Obviously the amount of rain we get will dictate whether News Girl and Lord Von Costa run.
"If the three of them happened to clash it would certainly create a fair bit of interest locally.
"My horse has been a model of consistency this preparation and keeps performing, pulls up well and is ready to go again.
"I think the more rain we get, the more scratchings there will be in the race and we will come in.
"My horse loves the wet and I'm looking forward to him getting back on a wet track to be honest."
McCarthy is yet to declare a jockey but is ready to pounce on the services of Blaike McDougall if Lord Von Costa is scratched due to the track condition.