Local trainer Mark Mason is already looking ahead with his two Tamworth Cup Prelude contenders - Sit Winalot and Van Buren.

“They’re both heading towards the Tamworth Cup, that’s their aim,” Mason said. “The Prelude is important for both of them.

“The Prelude’s an open race, I’m happy with both horses and I think they have great chances. This will top them off beautifully for the cup.”

The $60,000 Tamworth Cup (1400m) is staged on Sunday, April 27.

Apprentice Aaron Bullock will partner Sir Winalot tomorrow, winner of the 2005 Tamworth Cup and Robert Thompson aboard Van Buren.

The $12,000 Tooheys Tamworth Cup Prelude (1200m) has attracted a very strong line up, most of the field including last year’s Prelude and Tamworth Cup winner Gold Buckle, headed towards the April 27 feature.

Sir Winalot has returned to Mason’s care after campaigning for Mel Eggleston in Brisbane last campaign.

“The people who had the lease wanted him to race up there (Brisbane),” Mason said. “He’s back in our care now. We didn’t renew the lease.
“My father (Guy) and wife (Sharlene) own him.
“He had a long spell (241 days) before resuming at Armidale and didn’t have much luck. He got held up on the turn and never got out until it was all over.

“I was very pleased with the way he got home to finish third and he’s done real well since then. The barrier (14) hasn’t done him any favours. He’ll improve on what ever he does tomorrow but I’m confident he will run well.”

Sir Winalot, a winner of 13 from 44 starts, has been plagued throughout his career by bad feet. “He’s never had good feet but we’ve found using three-quarter shoes on him is the secret,” Mason said. “They agree with him.”

Like Sir Winalot, Van Buren, had no luck when resuming with a closing fourth to Top Crown over 1000m at Quirindi on March 10.

“The horse beside him in the barriers blundered and knocked into Van Buren nearly knocking Robert (Thompson) out of the saddle,” Mason said. “He got too far back and rattled home. Robert said he should have just about won.

“Van Buren ran second in the Prelude last year then did no good in the cup. Unbeknown to us he’d had enough and was over the top.

“It will be different this year. I think he’s my best chance in the Prelude.”

Trainer Sue Grills was bitterly disappointed last year’s Tamworth Cup runner-up Lambeth Walk was made first emergency in the Prelude.

Gold Buckle hasn’t started since August last year but trialled well recently and trainer Peter Mills has booked Greg Ryan for the mount.

By Tony White