A SEASON-long competition will come to a finale at the Dubbo TAB meeting tomorrow evening after the running of the Garrard's Iron Horse Invitational Final pace (2120m).
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Since September last year, at the start of the season, the club has conducted the point score series when all horses earned points to be eligible for an invitation into the series. Prize money for the final tomorrow night will be $5000 with a RIO Mark II gig valued at $5000 going to the winning trainer.
Dubbo club director Garth Hoy is delighted with the success of the series that has received a huge response from owners and trainers.
"This is a unique series with no other club ever running this type of invitational event," he said. "The final field for the series will be made up of 10 horses that have accumulated the most number of points competing at Dubbo this year.
"It has been a true test of stamina with several mid season leading point scorers falling by the way side.
"The series came together after the club secured a sponsorship from Garrard's Horse and Hound, a harness racing supplier based in Brisbane. Despite initial doubts about the concept from some local participants the event has been an outstanding success. We thank them sincerely for their support."
Bathurst trainer Nathan Hurst has qualified three horses - Getaloadathis, McCliskyson and Oneinathousand - for the final with local trainer Peter Reynolds in there with Casino On Ice and Jesse Grant. The rest of the field includes Tamworth-trained, Dubbo-owned Aces Reign along with other local hopes Laser in Flight, This Way Up, Wanabeabeachboy and Mavrick.
Owner of Aces Reign, Greg O'Sullivan said his horse had been set for this event from when he first heard about it, while James Sutton forfeited a shot at the Country Series Final at Menangle to concentrate on this series with Laser In Flight.
Hurst, who also has one of the reserves for the race (Mcarmbro), when asked if he would be starting all his horses replied: "Any of mine that qualify and are still standing will be going around." Hurst had nothing but praise for the event saying it was one of the best promotions he had seen in country racing and was one of the reasons he kept coming to race at Dubbo.
Lester Hoy said the race has the making of 'being a cracker.'
"Whilst Nathan will hold the whip hand having three runners, the locals will prove hard to beat.
"Laser in Flight for James Sutton, is undefeated in five starts this season at Dubbo (and) will lead the local charge. This same horse is also in the lead to be Dubbo's horse of the year for 2011-12.
"The Reynolds-trained duo are also expected to be there when the pressure is on with the Warren Sambrook-trained Mavrick expected to be up front considering his favourable draw.
"Last start winner This Way Up has hit form at the right time with both Warmabeabeachboy and Aces Reign expected to figure right in the finish.
"Gig races always prove a winner and there is no doubt it will be on from the word go... on paper [it] looks to be the race of the season."
o Dubbo fields page 59