A total of 159 nominations have been received for Canberra’s Good Friday meeting. The nine-race program is highlighted by the inaugural Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong Cup, a Benchmark 65 contest over the mile that has attracted 21 nominations.
Keith Dryden, the winner of six Canberra Trainers Premierships, is hoping to etch his name in the history books by winning the first Tuggeranong Cup with his consistent mare Stratum Pride.
"It's a great initiative." Dryden said of the Tuggeranong Cup. "Canberra is a big town so it's great to see the South get a race of its own."
"It was a big crowd last year so now with the Tuggeranong Cup for people to get behind, it should be a big day on-course."
"It would be wonderful to take out the first Tuggeranong Cup because who knows what the race could grow into in the future."
A winner of three races, Stratum Pride, was great at this track and trip last start when 3 rd in a Benchmark 75 on TAB Canberra Cup Day (13 March 2023).
"She's a picture of consistency this mare." Dryden said. "She's only missed the podium three times in her last 11 starts and her only true failure was in a strong TAB Highway."
"She was excellent on her home track here about three weeks ago in better grade so if she can draw a nice barrier tomorrow morning, I think she'll be a nice chance."
The four-year-old Stratum Pride has won three of her 19 starts with a further eight placings, amassing over $84,000 in earnings.
The Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong Cup has attracted a nice mix of Country & Metropolitan gallopers with runners from John O'Shea, Richard Litt & Bryce Heys all nominated for the contest.
