Race day tips with Iain Hyndman and Bret Fields at the Wanganui racecourse.
Whanganui will enjoy one of its biggest race days on Saturday - and a bumper crowd is expected to be there for the action.
The $50,000 listed Wanganui Cup at 2.29pm will take pride of place, but the meeting also boasts two other listed races - the Ag Challenge Stakes(3.30pm) and the Castletown Stakes (1.19pm) - both worth $50,000.
There is a total of $270,000 on offer at this Queen's Birthday weekend event, with the running of the Wanganui Cup - rescheduled after its usual summer meeting was abandoned because of heavy rain - adding extra spice.
There should be plenty of festivities in the stands to match the cut-and-thrust out on the course.
Wanganui Jockey Club manager Bret Field is anticipating a swathe of race-goers. "Our bookings are huge," he said.
"Normally Ag Challenge hosts big numbers in the Wanganui room as sponsor of the main race on the day, but has opted to reschedule that for another date to help us cater for others."
A healthy contingent from the Marist Rugby Club is also expected as the club is celebrating its 100 years this weekend, and the races and rugby should make the centenary something special.
The first of the nine-race card starts at 11.42am with the final event timed for 4.17pm.
The big question, as always, is who to put your money on.
Pacorus - a clear winner of the Rotorua Cup in its last start - is attracting a lot of interest for the Wanganui Cup, but a good price might make Marton horse Alinka Prince worth a flutter.
Stable whispers are always uncertain but try Underthemoonlight for the Ag Challenge Stakes.
Dance For Money is a contender for the other big race, the Castletown Stakes, but may come under pressure from Hard Merchandize.
Whanganui horse She's Poppy is down for the final race - the St John's Club - and could come up trumps.
