Mudgee is a thriving NSW Central Western town renown for cafés, restaurants, honey, cattle and sheep – not to mention the 40-plus vineyards!
It's the perfect place to rejoice after earning a spot in next year's $2 million The Big Dance at Royal Randwick, one of the spoils from winning the Mudgee Cup.
Kedah, named after a state in Malaysia with her dam being Malaya, is prepared at Newcastle by Kris Lees.
"She is in excellent shape and the Mudgee Cup looks the perfect race for her," Lees said.
Amazingly, Kedah led when a close second at Newcastle last start, the first time she had been in the lead in a race since winning her second start over 900m – some 38 runs ago.
"We had no intention to lead; she drew well and it was the way the race panned out.
"She kicked clear but was left a sitting duck after being grabbed by the winner [Redwood Shadow] who got up on her inside close to the post."
At her previous start Kedah had come from last (of 20) to finish tenth in this year's Big Dance behind another horse from the Lees stable, Rustic Steel.
"She did a tremendous job and finished with one of the top three closing sectional times on the day." Lees said Aaron Bullock will be her likely rider.
The Lees camp will also be taking Cristal Breeze up for the $50,000 Mudgee Cup Day Sprint (1200m).
The horse was having his first run since July when seventh at Randwick on November 1.
"He held on OK first-up. He can mix his form but that looks a nice race for him."
Other horses from the stable that may head to Mudgee include French Marine, Cirebon and Akauwheo.
"I'm 50/50 about French Marine going – he is resuming and we may keep him back for another week," Lees said. "He had a nice easy trial and is going well."
Cirebon impressed with a Port Macquarie win on debut and is a valuable filly being by Real Impact (Jpn) out of Malapert, an Encosta De Lago mare that has produced two Stakes winners.
"I'll see how she draws before deciding, but long-term I'm confident she'll make it as a racehorse.
"And the same of Akauwheo – she is a nice strong filly and it was a good win at Scone the other day."
Mudgee Race Club's CEO, Damien Toose said the entire town is looking forward to a spectacular Cup Day.
"Everyone I've spoken with is excited about the Cup and ticket sales certainly kicked off at a great pace.
"We are also providing more food options for everyone attending this year.
"Patrons can pre-order delicious platters and hampers that are being sourced through local businesses, in addition to some favourite food trucks and stalls.
"We've also lengthened the day with some increased entertainment after the last race with live music in the mounting yard for those people who wish to celebrate a little longer into the evening.
"This will also help disperse the crowds more evenly as well as make for a fun way to end the day.
"Parking is limited at the racecourse, but as always, buses will run from the local pubs all morning and at the end of the day, ensuring that everyone has a 'Plan B' and can get to and from the course easily."
UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Taree, Sapphire Coast
Tuesday: Tamworth
Thursday: Coffs Harbour
Friday: Mudgee
Saturday: Albury, Gunnedah, Cooma (non-TAB)
Sunday: Nowra
