Newcastle has it's day in the spotlight on Friday, with a great day of racing highlighted by the feature Group 3 Newcastle Cup.
It is a big day for the harbour city, with the main event supported by the Group 3 Cameron Handicap and Group 3 Tibbie Stakes.
The track is currently rated a Soft 5, but punters should expect an upgrade before the opening race.
The rail is in the true position, which will ensure the track plays fair throughout the day.
From the stewards
The horse to keep your eye on from the pre-steward's report is Akasaki, who runs around in race 4.
The Nicconi gelding returns after winning this event last year and comes here off a solid run at Warwick Farm last start, where he finished 2 of 7.
On that occasion, he was taken back from the wide barrier before racing in restricted room for some distance approaching the 600m mark.
A few things are in his favour this time around. He gets a much better draw, which should see him sit just behind the hot speed, and he loves both the 900m sprint and a good surface.
Expect him to go one better than last start at attractive each-way odds.
The Pierro gelding is back to defend his title in the Group 3 Cameron Handicap and looks the one to beat.
He was just too far back in the Group 2 Tramway last start at Randwick, where he flew home in cracking time to finish fifth. He ran the last 600m in 33.28, in what was a brilliant first-up return.
He is two from two second-up which adds confidence and with a Good track on the horizon, he is in heaven (6:2-2-1).
An in-form Tommy Berry retains the ride and is looking to improve on his impressive 32% winning strike rate over the past 30-days.
From the draw, expect Berry to settle towards the rear.
With an abundance of pace in this race, look for Berry to hook out on the long Newcastle straight and give the gelding plenty of time to wind up and storm over the top of his opposition.
Race 4: 4, 5, 6, 8
Race 5: 4, 6, 7
Race 6: 1, 8
Race 7: 2, 3, 8, 10, 11, 15