There are large competitive fields and punters who “get it figured out should go home with a pocketful” says Sapphire Coast Turf Club secretary-manager Rob Tweedie. 

There are also limited places for a ‘putt and punt’ combination featuring two beers over nine holes of golf at Pambula-Merimbula, then a free bus and entry to the races, where you’ll have reserved seating and a further two beers all for $50. 

It will be an opportunity for tradies to enjoy an afternoon of racing, but also check out some tools of the trade with a special tradie expo to go ahead on the day. 

Turf Club spokeswoman Jess Ryan said there would be a full day of entertainment with historic cars on display as well as the tradie expo, which will feature some tools of the trade and bobcats and excavating equipment as well as displays by South Coast Tyres. 

“We’ll also have a bucking bull between 1 and 4pm,” Ms Ryan said. 

Meanwhile, club secretary-manager Rob Tweedie said the course was in exceptional condition and running at a ‘good 4’ rating, which is about the best you can hope for. 

“We try present the track at that rating, which should be an ideal racing surface,” Mr Tweedie said. 

“I’ve just been going through the fields and it’s massive with over 100 runners for the day,” he said. 

Increases in prize money for TAB events combined with the growing reputation of the club meant the Sapphire Coast was now drawing interest from further afield. 

“We are seeing repeat business from new trainers - we've got one brining four horsses from Moe, our regulars from Moruya and Canberra and now some from Kembla Grange, Goulburn and Nowra,” Mr Tweedie said. 

With hugely competitive lists in each race, Mr Tweedie said there would be some strong odds and the chance to walk away with a good bit of bank. 

“It’s a really strong meeting, so if you can get it right you’ll go home with a pocketful [of money],” Mr Tweedie said. 

He said the day wasn’t solely for tradies, but encouraged everyone who enjoys an afternoon at the race course to head along. 

“It’s a Friday afternoon with racing to start at 1.30, which is a great opportunity to get out and start the weekend off,” he said. 

He said the coast would be home to a number of exciting events over the weekend including the Bemboka Show and the Merimbula EAT festival and said a pleasant Friday afternoon at the club would be a perfect lead-in.

1, Chris Walsh & Shane Davis Electrical MDN PTE 900 M

Trumbo was heavily supported at Albury last start and could have the speed to cross and control the race. Cyclone Maci should come across and hasn't been far away its first two starts. Mastery raced well last start at Canberra. 

Tips 3-7-2

2, South East Civil & Crane BM 55 HCP 1000 M

Totchbearer has been racing well in stronger class. Bay of Modena is a horse on the way up coming off a win. Our Rosemaree will be right in the mix after recent runs.

Tips 1-4-8

3 H & E Lucas Backhoe Hire & Dax Kelly Builder CL 1 HCP 1000 M

With a stack of speed in this im tipping the pressure will be on, Zardoro has won over 1200m so the big track should see this horse get his chance to come home over the top. Fire Stoker and Denman Quality have been racing well and should both be in the mix in what looks a competitive race. 

Tips 1-2-4

4, S L Hodgson Builder MDN HCP 1400 M

A very open Maiden. Although not proven over the distance the way the toppie One More Tipple got to the line i would have to rate him a chance to win this. Sonnets should be fit and set the pace from a good gate. Tsunami Alert is lightly raced and wasn't far away at the provincials last prep on one occasion.  If street Prince gets a run it shouldn't be left out

Tips 1-14-9-16 

5, Plevey & Son Plumbers & Roofing BM 60 HCP 1400 M

Little Off The Top is racing well and should prove hard to beat again. Admission will be fit and drops back a little in grade. Monterey Magic should set the speed and be in the mix.

Tips 1-6-4

6 Clark Equipment Sales CL 1 & MDN PTE 1600 M 

Not Bossy won the big maiden here on Bega Cup Showcase day before running a nice race in Sydney and will be the one to beat here. Whispered Prayer has been racing well at recent starts. City of Shadows and Opera Tickets have been finding the line well. 

Tips 4-6-14-9 

7 Diamond Grid MERIMBULA CUP 1600 M

Let it Roll has been racing well buy word is it may start in Canberra. The NZ horse Director has had a freshen up and should prove hard to beat. Swindlers Miss should be righ on the speed and likes the 1600m. Uno Best is one to keep an eye on although not tried at the distance.

Tips 2-3-6-4  

8 McDonalds Merimbula & Bega CL 2 HCP 1200 M

Inch Perfect is knocking on the door for another win and this race looks suitable after a nice second up at Goulburn last start. Dangerous Breeding ran a nice race in Sydney last start and should be competitive. Alvin Purple looks to have ability in an open race to finish the day off.

Tips 6-7-3 

Free buses running. Visit sapphirecoastturfclub.com.au for details.