Trainers and track work riders were putting their charges through their paces this morning when I visited Taree's Bushland Drive Racecourse.
All was relatively quiet apart from gallopers completing their morning work. This is in stark contrast to Sunday when a crowd of more than 2000 is expected to head to the track for the big Country Championship qualifying heat to be hosted by the Taree-Wingham Club.
The main race is worth $100,000 with the eight race card to carry a record $240,000.
See Friday's Manning River Times for more details.