Dubbo trainer Peter Nestor has raced all over and been a part of countless race meetings but even he still gets excited about being part of Derby Day.
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Dubbo Turf Club’s biggest social event is on again on Saturday and Nestor is one of a host of trainers from around the local area who will be in attendance.
The event comes at just the right time too, with a hugely wet winter forcing the abandonment of a stack of meetings in country NSW while crowds at the races which have gone ahead have been short of stellar.
“It’s why you want to go to the races,” Nestor said of Derby Day.
“Racing can boring at times, even for a tragic like me, and you can just sit at home and watch it but when you get a crowd and an atmosphere it’s great.
“I just hope everyone gets behind it and goes out there and has a win on the punt. It should be a good day for everyone.”
Nestor will have four horses in action on the day, with Ahalf and Hand Timed continuing their early development while Harder Faster and Not A Shadow will also be out for glory.
The popular trainer was honest when discussing their chances, saying none were champions but Ahalf and Hand Timed will be ones to keep an eye on early in their careers.
The latter, to be ridden by Michael Travers, is the one Nestor is most keen on, with the expected Good 4 track just what the gelding wants in the Kings Hall Jeweller Maiden Plate (1400m).
The four-year-old has had four starts but his most recent second-placed finish at Coonamble was easily his best run.
“He went around in his first couple and was fairly ordinary but they were on wet tracks,” Nestor said.
“Then on the firm at Coonamble last start it was a much-improved run and it’s a fair jump from 1100m to 1400m but he’s a tough sort and should run some sort of race.
“I’m hopeful of improvement and hopefully he took some confidence out of last start.”
Ahalf has only had one start, a second-placed finish at Orange, but did win a trial in her last at Narromine.
While there is some talent to work with, Nestor said the biggest thing going against her is her size, as she is a “very small filly”.
Working in Ahalf’s favour is the barrier five draw, something which Nestor feels will give her the “run of the race” while the trainer’s nephew and leading jockey Kody Nestor will have the ride in the Myer Fashions On The Field Maiden (1000m).
The first race on Saturday is at 12.56pm but the gates will open well before then with all the marquees expected to be packed out.
Fashions on the field is also expected to be a major drawcard during the eight-race meeting.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
