The three-year-old will back up after finishing last at Bathurst on Wednesday night, but the drop back in class could be a key when he lines up in the Shadyshark Hanover At Goodtime Lodge Pace (1720m).

The race is restricted to pacers which have earned less than $5000 in their past four starts, however one factor counting against Happy Napa's chances is the barrier draw which will have him start from barrier six on the outside of the front row.

The Pacific Fella (USA) x Napa Valley (NZ) gelding broke his maiden status four starts back when winning over the same course and distance as tonight's event as a $24.10 chance.

On that occasion Kurt Lew was in the sulky from the same draw, and elected to take Happy Napa back from the wide draw before getting a three-wide trail at the right time, peeling wide and mowing down his rivals to win by 2.4m in a handy mile rate of 2:01.0.

That win was the second of Happy Napa's career, with the gelding reserving his best performances for his home track.

He has raced at Dubbo on four prior occasions for two wins and a minor placing.

While he is talented, Happy Napa will be giving up race experience to all of his rivals.

In fact the conditions of the race allow for out-of-form older horses to get a run, the prime example being the Peter Bullock-trained Rockstar Ruler.

The five-year-old has been to the races 72 times and recorded seven wins and 18 minor placings, and he will also appreciate dropping back to a more appropriate grade.

The final meeting of the Dubbo season will see six races contested, with the first scheduled for 5.45pm and the last to be run at 8.01pm.

With the new racing season to start next week, the meeting will also see the 2013-14 Dubbo premierships decided.

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