Morriset trainer Mark Callaghan makes a habit of winning the Tabcorp Park Menangle Country Finals, in fact he has won six previously. The $26,000 events are open to horses trained outside of a 100 kilometre radius of Menangle, that qualify in $10,000 heats across the state and Callaghan confirms that without the Country Finals he would find it tough being a fulltime harness racing trainer.
There are two $26,000 finals on Saturday night and Callaghan will have a runner in both. Ima Grumpy Possum will compete in race three while Franco Salisbury will contest the fifth.
"The Menangle Country Finals are great for the trainers outside of the metropolitan area because it allows them to target these races and earn great prize money," Callaghan said.
"Without them I would be in a worse financial position and it also gives owners a good chance to get a return on their investment when they purchase a horse. You have to make it viable for owners because you can't expect them to keep buying horses if they're not getting a return."
Ima Grumpy Possum qualified for a Country Final last month but drew poorly in the final and was forced to do a lot of work in the early stages.
"She has drawn a lot better this time around and I think she would have to be my best chance on Saturday night. She was impressive in her heat and she has done a really good job for me since arriving at the stable."
"I had a horse for the owners called Major Dancer and we had a fair bit of luck and won a few races. They sent me up Franco Salibury and I won five of the first seven starts I gave it, so they sent up Ima Grumpy Possum too, it has worked out really well."
Franco Salisbury is set to take on Carousel winner Hez A Dude.
"Franco Salisbury has drawn one and while his gatespeed is getting better with every run, I'm not sure whether he is going to be able to hold the lead. Even if he is crossed he should get a nice run throughout, but I think there is a bit more depth in his race.
"Both Franco Salisbury and Ima Grumpy Possum have won two heats of the Country Series and it would great to see one of them win a final."
Callaghan added he liked the way the prize money is distributed in the series.
"It would be great to think harness racing could progress to the stage where the prize money that is offered in the heats of the Menangle Country Series could be offered in all races in the country. I think the way the money is split in these heats and finals is a really good thing as well.
"Because they distribute the money more evenly and although the winner may only get half of the money on offer there is a better spread to the beaten horses and therefore other owners and trainers are still earning even though their horses aren't winning."
Greg Hayes