Ballarat's Terrace Restaurant is the best place to watch the trots at Bray Raceway on a chilly night.
Bray Raceway in Ballarat is the place to be this Saturday night.
The club will host a 10-event card of harness racing featuring the John Slack Memorial Trotters Cup (Group 3) and rising star Hectorjayjay in the fast-class race.
Club Chief Executive Paul Rowse said there were still dining spots available in the acclaimed Terrace Restaurant, which is always a great way to spend a night at the trots – especially when the nights are wintry.
“We’ve got a couple of hundred booked already but there’s still room for more,” Rowse said.
The first race on Saturday is scheduled to jump at 5.31pm, an early start meaning the last will be run at 10pm.
Revellers looking to rejoice their winnings however can kick on after the last in the always popular Flying Horse Bistro, with live music and a party atmosphere through until 1am.
“Punters can come and watch the Richmond versus Essendon game on one of the many TV screens or they can listen to some great live music and celebrate any winnings they’ve made throughout the night,” Rowse said.
This year’s John Slack Memorial Trotters Cup sees a quality field of eight in the 2200-metre race, with Brent Lilley-trained Kyvalley Blur expected to prove hardest to beat.
Kyvalley Blur sat in the breeze and fought on doggedly in the Cranbourne Trotters Cup last time out, Lilley explaining that the death seat probably wasn’t his go.
“He was probably a wee bit upside down because he’s normally a sit-sprinter,” Lilley said.
“Be he still ran a good race and he’d be my best chance on the night.”
Punters might also pay to keep a close eye on Lilley’s runner in Race 6, Saratoga, who is first-up in Australia after crossing from New Zealand.
“He’s been here about a month and he has good form in New Zealand and should prove hard to beat,” Lilley said.
“Aldebaran Southland is probably his biggest danger.”
>> Visit the Ballarat and District Trotting Club for information on how to book a dining package or for other details ahead of Saturday night
CODY WINNELL
COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA MANAGER
HARNESS RACING VICTORIA
PO BOX 184, MOONEE PONDS, VIC 3039
400 EPSOM ROAD, FLEMINGTON, VIC 3031
t: 03 8378 0288 | f: 03 9214 0699 | e: cwinnell@hrv.org.au
www.hrv.org.au
