Following his Oberon Cup win James Dean, from KerryAnn Turner’s stable, was being prepared with Orange Harness Racing Club’s Carnival of Cups in mind and harness racing driver Robbie Morris confirmed the champion is still set to run.
Morris, who called James Dean a “C5/M2 graded, honest, little horse who came out of New Zealand”, confirmed the Oberon Cup winner is primed to front in February 10’s Banjo Paterson feature race at Towac Park.
That’s just one of the races set for February 10 with a number of other finals to be run, the heats are being hosted in this Sunday’s Family Day.
“The owners contacted me……and they decided to bring him over here to me which is great because it’s not often horses like that land in your lap. Previously he has been a first emergency in the New Zealand Cup,” Morrish told Orange Harness Racing Club.
“He is racing in the Goulburn Cup on Monday (February 4) then up to Orange for the Banjo.
“He has two straight wins under his belt heading into Monday’s race in Goulburn.”
And Robbie’s thoughts on James Dean racing on the unique grass track at Towac Park?
“It’s something different. James Dean has previously run on the grass in New Zealand recording a slick mile rate of 1.55,” Morrish said.
“It's just people’s perception of the grass. It's actually quiet smooth and everyone has to run on the same surface on the day.”
Sunday’s Family Day kicks off at 12pm at Orange’s Towac Park.
By Matt Findlay