Good fields set for Tauranga races

TOP CLASS: Volkstok'n'barrell will be centre of attention at Tauranga Races on Saturday. PHOTO/FILE

Volkstok'n'barrell will have its first run since June when the 5-year-old lines up as the top weight in the Group 2 Preston Rowe Paterson Property Valuers Tauranga Stakes, at Tauranga Racecourse on Saturday.

The Donna Logan trained Bay gelding has won more than $1.1 million dollars, with the last win back in March when it won the Group 1 Bonecrusher Stakes at Ellerslie.

This was followed by a mediocre Australian campaign, but he had two trials in October for a 1st and a 3rd to prepare for this race. Top Jockey Matt Cameron will be on board.

In a race that has attracted a class entry, Wanganui rider Jonathan Parkes will be aboard a horse that loves Tauranga, Julinsky Prince.

Parkes has won two Group One races on Julinsky Prince

"He really likes a freshen-up between runs and he loves Tauranga," Parkes said.

Julinsky Prince has had a win and a runner-up finish at Tauranga in the Gr.2 Japan/NZ International Trophy and he has also placed twice in the Tauranga Stakes.

Locally trained El Pescado had three good races at the Hawke's Bay carnival and Stuart Manning will be hoping for a big run and an upset.

El Pescado is considered underrated by many, and has inform jockey Cameron Lammas on board.

The 8-race programme starts at 12.25pm and is the first of three Christmas at the Races events, with all the catered hospitality areas sold out.

General admission is available.