Canberra Racing will be thrust into the spotlight when four local horses line up for the $1.3 million Kosciuszko next week.
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Canberra trainers were excluded from running in the inaugural Kosciuszko race last year, but Matthew Dale and Keith Dryden will represent the territory with two genuine contenders on Saturday.
Dryden-trained Handle The Truth sits third on the Kosciuszko fixed odds at 4.60 to win, while Dale's Notation is fourth favourite to finish first.
But Todd Blowes' Noble Boy, who was the first local horse to secure a slot, will be tough to beat after winning seven from last starts last season, including the $500,000 Country Championship at Royal Randwick.
Racing ACT chief executive Andrew Clarke said "there's no better time" to own a horse in regional NSW and ACT with multiple racing events for country horses at Royal Randwick.
"They're right in contention for the race which is fantastic for the local racing industry," Clarke said.
"Obviously every horse has its chances but albeit they're favourites for a reason.
"Even having their names mentioned repeatedly brings great attention to the local racing industry which is of great benefit to us.
"I can see the difference [The Kosciuszko] has made to the trainers and owners of those particular horses to have runner in such a major race on Everest Day."
Handle The Truth and Joe Cleary-trained Up Trumpz will have their last piece of serious work before the race on Monday.
Meanwhile Dale-trained Sausedge won the Tony Campbell Memorial Cup at Thoroughbred Park on Friday.
The four-year-old mare beat Trevor McIlrick's Who's Knocking by 4.75 lengths to the finish line, while reigning champion Bring A Secret finished ran third.
Nick Olive collected his eighth Trainers Premiership at the Canberra Racing awards lunch, while Dryden-trained Prince Jacko was crowned Horse of the Year.
Former chief executive officer Peter Snubbs was recognised for his contribution to the ACT racing industry.