In the racing game currently all the talk is about the looming $1.3 million Kosciuszko and how it can change the lives of bush trainers.
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This weekend's NSW Picnic Championship Final at Dubbo Turf Club may not have the grandeur of that event but it can have a huge impact on the life of those trainers who travel that state, racing on dusty outback tracks while battling through the drought.
Sunday's final is just one of the feature to be run during a bumper Gold Cup showcase meeting.
The $100,000 cup headlines the day but the Picnic Championship Final is one of three races races worth $50,000.
The Picnic Championship series is now in its third year and it has received a huge amount of praise since its inception.
Nyngan trainer Rodney Robb has won both previous finals, with Security Code and Austin respectively, and he'll be there again on Sunday.
Robb has veteran Rusty Motorbike going from barrier seven.
Among those out to stop the outback stalwart from a hat-trick and of picnic crowns is Forbes trainer Wendy Baker.
Baker has only the one horse in work but Getting Ready has proved a handy one for the small-time trainer.
And his consistency has paid off.
The mare placed in every picnic race she contested this campaign, a streak stretching back to October of last year when she won at Harden.
The eight-year-old veteran may have only won five of 55 career starts but Baker feels she's really only hitting her straps in the past year.
"She likes to get back, then sprints home pretty well," Baker said her racing style, although admitting it causes her supporters some stress.
"We'd like to get her up on the pace, but she doesn't agree with it."
While she hasn't featured in the winnings at TAB meetings, Baker has been preparing the mare for Sunday's 1400m feature.
Getting Ready's most recent run was at Gulargambone over 1450m. She passed the post at the tail-end of the field, but there was nothing shabby about her efforts.
"There was less than four lengths in the whole field, and they did break a track record," a quietly pleased Baker said, adding the distance was no issue.
Regular jockey Michael Wade will again be in the saddle come Sunday.
The Picnic Championship Final is the fifth event on the card on Sunday and jumps at 2.35pm.
The first of nine races is at 12.15pm.
