IT’S one of the best fields seen at Hawkesbury Race Club in recent memory, and local trainer Garry Frazer will be out to upstage the big city raiders in tomorrow’s Rowley Mile.
The $100,000 listed race has attracted the who’s who of Sydney racing with Chris Waller, Gai Waterhouse, Joe Pride and Team Hawkes lining up runners.
Makybe Diva’s little sister, La Amistad, will resume for Team Hawkes after winning her final three starts last campaign including an impressive win in the listed McKell Cup at Randwick.
But Frazer is only concerned about Scottish Border, which has been racing consistently in its past five starts, finishing no worse than fourth.
“He’s going very well,” Frazer said.
“His last start was good and he’s getting in at 54kg and the mile will suit him.”
Frazer admitted he was keen to race his rising eight-year-old in the Taree Cup on Sunday, but the inclement weather changed his mind.
“Running him here was a bit of an afterthought, but when the rain came I decided to stay here,” he said.
“He’s won on a bog track at Randwick so that won’t be a problem.
‘‘The wet track gives him a hope.”
La Amistad won’t be the only star horse Scottish Border will have to overcome as premier trainer Chris Waller lines up four runners.
After winning half the card at Rosehill last weekend he’s looking unstoppable to take out a fifth-straight Sydney trainer’s premiership, despite the season being less than a month old.
“It’s always hard to beat them,’’ Frazer said.
‘‘Especially when Waller has half the field.’’
Frazer will partner with classy young rider Sam Clipperton, who out-rode his claim last month as an apprentice.
“I’ve put Sam on the horse,’’ Frazer said.
‘‘I’ve had a bit of luck with him. He’s a nice, cool rider who listens to instructions.”
The race day starts at 12.45pm and the Rowley Mile will be run at 3.45pm.