AN OLD FAVORITE ON SONG FOR VICTORY AT AVOCA
FRESH and ready to race, that is the assessment of trainer Con Kelly about his grand galloper Old Songs for the PJA & Blue Pyrenees Avoca Cup on Saturday.
Like an old favourite tune that always generates fond memories, 8YO Old Songs is that reliable horse of the country circuit that continues to bob up at race meetings throughout Victoria and interstate.
Trained at Swan Hill by Kelly, Old Songs will be seeking consecutive PJA & Blue Pyrenees Avoca Cups on Saturday.“Last year he had had a heap more preparation coming into the race during what was a long campaign,” Kelly said.
“This year he ran first-up in the Pooncarie Cup a couple of weeks ago and that was a pretty good effort.
“He is nice and fresh to defend his title at Avoca and should be right in the firing line. But it does look like it’ll be a tougher field than last year.”
Last year Old Songs placed second in the Pooncarie Cup before saluting at Avoca, when he took control of the race in the home straight to win by 1.25 lengths. By New Zealand bred sire Dust in the Wind, Old Songs continues to blow the right tune on the track posting 13 wins and 23 placings in his 67-start career to date.
“He has come back brighter and better than ever. He doesn’t know he is an entire, although I’m hoping one day he will, but he is one of nicest horses I’ve had anything to do with,” Kelly said.
It’ll be a birthday celebration for the Kelly family, with Con’s daughter Jessica travelling from Ballarat to join her Dad and Old Songs at Avoca to toast her 23rd birthday.
“There is a great atmosphere at these bush meetings. People bring their horses to the track before the first and stay until after the last,” Kelly said.
As well as the quality racing on the track, Avoca Shire Turf Club has ensured patrons will be entertained throughout the afternoon on-course.
A highlight of the event will be the Stryde Fashions on the Field competition including a wealth of categories such as Stryde Lady of the Day, Coco & Co Most Contemporary Outfit, Mojo Photography Couple of the Day, Heritage on Lydiad Best Dressed Gent.
Prizes available in the competition total $5400, with registrations being taken from 11.30am until 1pm for all categories. All entrants will receive a complimentary Mirenesse Secret Weapon Mascara. A category winner will also be selected by the Club to be its representative in Country’s Best Dressed Racegoer.
The Avoca Shire Turf Club has plenty of activity on the course that is placed in the heart of the Pyrenees, with spectacular views.
Patrons can enjoy fine country thoroughbred racing, sample the delicious range of Blue Pyrenees wines, taste boutique beers from local brewery Three Troupers, live music from Spoon and roving local band Bobsy-Die, a wide variety of fresh food stalls, activities for the kids’ and the opportunity to camp under the stars.
Many regularly attend the PJA & Blue Pyrenees Avoca Cup, with the welcome mat rolled out by the community for plenty more.
For more information on the PJA & Blue Pyrenees Avoca Cup and other country race meetings during the Spring Racing Carnival visit countryracing.com.au.