GILGANDRA Jockey Club's two-day cup carnival kicks off today with a five-race non-TAB program to bring in the new year.
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Prior to today's meeting, fields for Sunday's bumper cup meeting will be released, with a big week of action planned in the town.
Today's highlights will include the running of the John and Kate Smith Secretary's Cup (1300m) and the Paul Kelly Memorial Cup (1200m).
Parkes trainer Ricky Watt will be hopeful that his handy performer Tyson's Tiger can return to the winner's circle when he carries top weight in the Secretary's Cup.
Originally allocated 64kg, Watt has elected to use four-kilogram claiming apprentice Kazu Nakata for the gelding, meaning he carries just two kilograms more than his nearest rival Strong, which will be ridden by Jake Pracey-Holmes.
Watt and Pracey-Holmes will then combine in the Paul Kelly Cup with one of the main chances in So Sure.
The five-year-old son of Not A Single Doubt has only won a single race from 23 starts but indicated he may be returning to the form capable of winning today's race when he finished a close second behind Celtic Power at Wellington on Boxing Day.
Today's meeting kicks off a big week for the Gilgandra club's committee as it looks forward to two potential pieces of local racing history.
Legendary racecaller Bob Foran will line up to call his 60th Gilgandra Cup while the region's premier jockey Greg Ryan aims for a 10th win in the cup.
Ryan is always a popular rider for punters to follow, but has a particularly good record at the unique Gilgandra track, and he will be even more popular on Sunday as he has been booked to ride Yes Zariz in the feature for local trainer Bruce Parker.