Goulburn Valley-trained pacers headed by champion Lennytheshark comprise half the field in Saturday night’s $50 000 Neatline Homes Shepparton Gold Cup.
Five of the 10 runners are trained in the Goulburn Valley including Lennytheshark who has not raced since running fifth in the Miracle Mile at Menangle on February 24.
But the super David Aikentrained pacer has trialled well for his return to the track.
Under the conditions Lenny has to overcome the worst draw, while his four Goulburn Valley-trained rivals will come from barriers one to four in the 2690 m marathon.
Shepparton trainer Steve O’Donoghue will fly the flag for the females in the cup with his runner Shakahari the only mare in the race.
To be driven by her regular driver Bec Bartley, Shakahari will come from barrier one.
In-form Avenel horsewoman Kima Frenning will drive the other Aiken runner in the race, Ima The Boss, who is coming off a Mildura Cup win at his last start and has drawn barrier four.
Another Shepparton trainer, Clive Dalton, will be chasing the cup with Hugh Victor from barrier two, while Brallos Pass in the Mark Watson barn at Kyabram has drawn barrier three.
One of Lennytheshark’s main dangers, Cruz Bromac, who has drawn the outside of the front row will be driven by ace Shepparton reinsman Nathan Jack.
Another of the runners, Messini, also has a district flavour with Echuca’s Rob Owen and former Seymourite Gary Dowling in the syndicate which races the pacer.
Outstanding nominations for the meeting has made for a monster 12-event card kicking off at 5.27 pm with the final event at 10.59 pm.
The Group Two cup is at 9 pm.
