Nearly 3000 people flocked to the course last year and watched two Taree gallopers fight out the qualifier before great runs in the $400,000 Country Final over 1400m at Royal Randwick last April.

Bob Milligan’s filly Another Valley won the qualifier from Cliff Bashford’s Ever So Natural and the table was turned in the final with Ever So Natural (third) finishing just in front of Another Valley (fourth).

Will the qualifier be a repeat with the two trainers fighting out the finish again with their charges or will “new kid” on the block,four-year- old Taree mare Shotgun Roulette, deny them?

No sooner had Ever So Natural earned $44,000 in the final,Bashford was making plans to have the now five-year- old gelding in this year’s qualifier.

“The prizemoney is too good to refuse,”he said.

Under the race conditions,gallopers from the Mid North Coast Racing Association are only eligible for this qualifier,they must win or run second to qualify for the final,and they must be no more than a class 5 horse and have no more than 20 starts.

Bashford had to fit in two barrier trials for his gelding before racing again,that start resulting in an emphatic win over 1208m at Port Macquarie at its 19 th start on February 11.

Another Valley won’t be in the qualifier but Milligan is expected to nominate four-year-old mare Capital Magic which was second in Ever So Natural’s Port race.

A few reputations were dented in that championship preview race but it can be said that some of the runners behind the Taree two will be much better suited by the 1400m of the qualifier.

They include Port’s Cogliere,Portatorio and She’s Invincible,should they accept on Thursday.

Head owner Jan Tate,83,of Port four-year- old gelding Glitra,trained by John Sprague,was weighing up whether her charge was worth a nomination when this column was written.

“It all depends on whether the hot days continue,”she said.

Glitra has had 13 starts for three wins and added a close third placing to its other three placings over 1510m behind Port’s Explosive Scene at that track on February 11,its three wins and two of the placings coming from its past five starts.

Then there is Shotgun Roulette,trained at Taree by Wayne Wilkes,a big winner of the $70,000 Queen Of The North Handicap at Port on February 17.

It was about this time last year that the then filly was being aimed towards the $1 million Australian Oaks at Royal Randwick but after a lead-up race,Wilkes decided to keep the mare for 1400-1600m races and decided to aim her at this qualifier,the mount going to former Wingham,ace Sydney jockey Corey Brown.

She has been kept fresh as that training pattern suits her admirably.

Cogliere’s mid-field placing last start could have been due to the colt coming back from a Sydney Highway win over 1400m to the 1208m and the Marc Quinn-trained galloper has a touch of class on its side.

I will preview the race in Friday’s edition when the field will be known.

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Not only will the eight-race TAB “Showcase” meeting on Sunday have plenty of admirers,the entertainment on course will provide a carnival atmosphere.

The race club is making a special effort to raise funds through ticket sales and other means for Ronald McDonald House.

Special buses will be ferrying patrons to and from the course from many areas,check www.twraceclub.com

A giant slide,jumping castles,face painting,along with a roving magician,a visit by Easter Bunny distributing Easter eggs and a jazz band will provide entertainment.

The championships trophy will be delivered by parachutists during the afternoon,fashions on the field for the ladies have valuable prizes and 20 double passes to The Championships Final on April 1 can be won.

There will be plenty of tables and chairs for patrons and gourmet food,plus plenty of refreshments.

This will be one of the biggest outings on the local social calendar with plenty of action and fun to be enjoyed…so get trackside!