All eyes will be on Andrew Dale’s country cups star Copperfield as he vies for back-to-back Towong Cup victories.
The eight-year-old gelding took out the 2025 edition in fine fashion, edging out fellow Wangaratta-trained horse Star Buyer by three quarters of a length.
This year will be a tougher task however, lugging the top weight of 62kg against a strong field of 10.
“He won with 57.5kgs from gate two last year so he’s up in the weights and has drawn a less favourable gate seven,” Dale said.
“That being said, the horse is in terrific order and we’ve enlisted the services of Logan McNeil who’s an up and coming hoop.
“It looks a strong field as well so it’s going to be a cracking race.”
Another six gallopers will feature on Towong Cup day with the stable’s campaign kicking off strong in race two’s benchmark 52 (940m).
Densetsu looks the stable’s best chance in the 940m sprint, jumping from gate six with McNeil in the saddle.
The five-year-old gelding saluted at Holbrook just two starts ago before finishing fourth at Yarra Valley in his last outing.
“Densetsu is arguably our best chance of the day,” Dale said.
“He’s rock hard fit and has been fairly consistent over his last three or so runs so he looks primed to run well.”
Densetsu will be supported by Chairman’s Choice and Noci Di Cocco.
In race four’s 1200m benchmark 52, Hollerloud and Quick Spell look outside chances.
Hollerloud saluted at Tumbarumba three starts ago and will need to return to that sort of form to be in the mix, while Quick Spell will need luck from a sticky draw (10).
In the final race of the day (BM52 over 1400m), Wagunda is eyeing a win after back-to-back runner-up finishes from his past two outings.
The seven-year-old son of Wandjina will jump from barrier seven with Zoe Waller taking the ride.
“He’s been thereabouts in his past two starts so he’s definitely a chance,” Dale said.
“He typically likes to get back in his runs so the barrier won’t matter – he’ll need some luck but he’s good enough to get the job done.”
