Brooke McPherson with Shadesoff
WAGGA’S Pacer of the Year title will go down to the final meeting of the season on Friday night with Shadesoff and Tactful Lady in contention.
Tactful Lady has bridged the gap at the past two meetings with a win and a second to trail Shadesoff by two points.
Shadesoff leads on 22 points having secured four wins, four seconds and two thirds, while Tactful Lady has similar figures but only three seconds.
Owner Lance Cobban said Tactful Lady was destined for the breeding barn and her recent efforts at Wagga gave her a chance of adding to her record at the track.
Tactful Lady has drawn well in barrier two in an even field.
“She was going to be retired but is racing well of late - this may be her last run,” Cobban said.
Shadesoff is in an easier race and will be driven by her owner and trainer Brooke McPherson.
The current leader has drawn the outside of the second row and only needs to run in the top three to almost guarantee the title win.
McPherson said it was an oversight to miss the nominations with Shadesoff last time when Tactful Lady made up some ground.
“It would be nice to win. She is in front and has had a really good season at Wagga with four wins,” she said.
The awards will be part of the official presentation at Wagga’s Awards and Sponsors’ evening to be held next Saturday night, September 3.
Trainer Shane Hillier and driver Reece Maguire have already sealed their respective titles at Wagga.
The Riverina awards will also be presented with Hillier to claim the top trainer prize and Corey Bell to receive the leading driver awards.
The well-performed Sporty Spook and classy filly Dont Think Twice have been announced as the Riverina Pacer and Juvenile of the Year respectively.