WEIR OUT TO RAID THE CUP AT HIS FORMER HOMETOWN AGAIN

FORMER local Darren Weir is mainly focused on having a runner in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup, however, he hasn’t forgotten about the Cup held near his place of heritage on Saturday.

Last year Weir secured his second Elders Mt Wycheproof Cup this decade with Racy Alice. He previously won the race in 2002 with Spike the Bubbles.

This year he has Falvette entered in the $15,000 Elders Mt Wycheproof Cup on Saturday although Weir is more hopeful rather than confident about securing consecutive Cups.

“The horse hasn’t been racing that well lately,” Weir bluntly assessed, with his six starts this campaign netting a best result of fifth-place. Last start Falvette finished eighth in the Avoca Cup.

Weir, now based in Ballarat, grew up in Berriwillock though, roughly 60kms from Mt Wycheproof racecourse.

“Because I come from up that way I always like to have a few runners up there,” Weir said.

“To win the Mt Wycheproof Cup you need an on-pace runner and a horse that can handle a good track.

“On its best Falvette is a chance for sure. This campaign the owners wanted to have a few trips away to the country races and we’re hoping we can pick one up along the way.”

A six-year-old Val Royal mare, Falvette has raced 31 times for five wins and 10 placings.

Another local trainer keen to snare the Elders Mt Wycheproof Cup is Austy Coffey, who had to settle for another second-place finish in the race last year with Agents Dream.

Coffey has two horses nominated – Fivecougarsthanks and The Ruckman.

Last year Coffey declared it was time he won the Elders Mt Wycheproof Cup, especially now that Weir has won a couple.

Derby Day in the Country at Wycheproof is a popular spring country race meeting, with its spectacular setting. Mt Wycheproof, the smallest registered mountain in the world, provides the perfect backdrop.

Located 276km north-west of Melbourne, Mt Wycheproof is an easy drive along the new and improved Calder Freeway and Mt Wycheproof has numerous accommodation and hospitality options.

As well as the action on the track, Mt Wycheproof Cup Day features Fashions on the Field, kids’ activities, food outlets, bars and an art exhibition.

For more information about country racing during the Spring Racing Carnival visit countryracing.com.au.