Bunbury Trotting Club is gearing up ahead of another bumper race meeting, with not only one, but two Dash For Cash features on the program tomorrow night, Saturday May 10.
The $11,000 Sky Racing Dash for Cash, race six on the program, is scheduled for 8.09pm, with eight runners set for speed in the 1140m sprint around the 1000m circuit at Donaldson Park.
Hayden Reeves prepares four of the eight runners in the feature, with barrier one and two filled by his runners Del Bocavista Bay and Mega Mach, in what looks to be an open betting affair.
The Daryl Miller trained Ashima pairs with in-form and country specialist Trent Wheeler in barrier three, with the pair backing up from Mondays Lighting Lap where they finished in second place.
Ashima will be looking to break a 31-start losing sequence.
The Sarah Wall trained Flyin Disco is second up from a spell, finishing in ninth place last Saturday at Narrogin after an unsuccessful attempt for the lead soon after release point and being inconvenienced in the home straight, but this weeks race is half the distance of last weeks attempt.
“He has only competed in one short lighting lap race, and he ran second, they are always a bit unknown.
“I thought there looked to be a number of chances in the Dash for Cash this year.” Sarah Wall mentioned.
Stablemates Recover Lover and Mister Kopa have drawn barriers five and six, with Recover Lover a big fan of the sprint trip.
Recover Lover was a winner just two starts ago over the 1177m Lightning Lap trip at Pinjarra on April 28.
Linebacker NZ has drawn inside the backline, barrier 8 for Michael Callegari and Dylan Egerton-Green and is just second up this preparation for the new stables and returns to racing a little lighter than last year, being gelded after his last start in August 2024.
“I was a little disappointed with his first up run, but his fitness has improved, and he is a high-speed horse that the short distance should suit. He should be right in the finish.” Michael Callegari said.
The Nathan Turvey trained Major Jay goes into the feature after a last start victory at Narrogin six weeks ago.
The four-year-old had a quick freshen up in the paddock and resumes on Saturday night.
Popularity of the sprint races has only increased, with three lightning laps on Monday at Pinjarra and the opportunity to run two Dash for Cash races this Saturday at Bunbury due to strong nominations.
Tracey Massimini is celebrating her 60th birthday and they’ve named the first Dash for Cash in her honour, with a field of 10 assembled for the 1140m sprint in race four.
The club has introduced many initiatives in the past year, and they’re excited to get the kids involved over the next four meetings with their ‘horsey’ colouring competition.
“We also have the Mother’s Day raffle tomorrow night with a first prize from the Gourmet Slice Company with a box full of delicious treats.” Sarah Wall said.
Image: Last years Dash for Cash winner, Blockjorg. Photography by Jodie Hallows