Griffith trainer Russel Hogan will be out to upstage some more-fancied opposition and win his hometown Cup on Saturday.
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The Griffith Cup meeting will go ahead on Saturday without crowds but it has not stopped the club from attracting some quality fields for the five-race TAB card.
Hogan will carry the hopes of the locals when he saddles up Cooee March in the $15,000 Terra Ag Griffith Cup (1350m).
Hogan concedes the opposition will prove tough but hopes the home track advantage can bring Cooee March right into calculations.
"He went alright the other week at Cobar but it's a fairly tough race," Hogan said.
"I'm hoping the little home town advantage might be an advantage to him. He's been working the house down and Richard Bensley on will help a bit. He does work well on this track, as long as it's not too wet.
"I'd say he'll be in the finish well and truly."
Cooee March has drawn barrier one with Richard Bensley in the saddle.
Kiwi import Enzed Beer and Wagga grey Not Too Sure will carry the top weight of 61 kilograms, while the field also features the likes of Takookacod and Peter Clancy's new stable acquisition Derby Star.
Jerilderie trainer Phil Sweeney will also launch a three-pronged attack on the Cup with Bianbarnie, High Rush and Beaujeen.
Hogan will also be represented by Astir in the Griffith Exies Benchmark 50 Handicap (1200m).
"He'd have a little chance in that because he's been working well. He's just got to have a bit of luck because he's been a little bit slow away the last couple of times," he said.
Hogan is happy with how strong the fields are for the club's big day.
"It's pretty good fields really, overall. They're all pretty even but we hope for a bit of luck at home," he said.
"It should be a pretty good day, it's a pity we couldn't have a crowd but anyway, it is what it is. Were lucky to be racing, to be honest."
Fellow Griffith trainer Gino D'Altorio has three runners in on the day.
The first of five races gets underway at 1.28pm.
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