Big fields were the order of the day with the exception of the Open Sprint (six). The Dunc’s IGA Maiden got the ball rolling and comeback jockey Shane Cull booted home the first winner.

Brave Critic who started long odds in last year’s Esperance Cup charged to victory and returned over $40 on tote. Prior to Saturday Debbie Warnes trained six year old had start 19 times for just 2 thirds. He defeated the fast finishing Cut And Dried by half a length and early pacemaker The Key Cutter was a nose away in third position. Cut And Dried firmed from $19 on tote (6 minutes before start time) to less than $6 and flashed home from a long way back. A win won’t be far away for the four year old.

Race Two was the Quick ‘N’ Clean Carwash Sprint and the six experienced competitors look evenly matched on paper. Jay Dee Rocks set a fast tempo in front but was no match for King Of The Stalls who swept to victory in a near record 1.10.62 over the 1200m. Expedition ran on stylishly to be the runner up and Jay Dee Rocks found enough to hold third. King Of The Stalls started six times at Esperance last season and ended the season winless but with five minor placings.

The Third Race was sponsored by McCreeds Classic Jewellers and Patrons D. Piercey and R Read. Three last start winners were engaged and the Mark Nelson (Albany) trained Lady Lavenham was solidly backed into an even money favourite. She didn’t let her supporters down, winning by almost a length over local Stormy Quest. Time Star caught the eye with a fast finishing third and Marvon Sher was just behind the placegetters after looking ‘gone’ at the top of the stretch.

The Bay Of Isles Financial Services Maiden was over 1100m and speedy six year old mare Racoff was able to break her Maiden status. After a rapid getaway she established a lead and with 200m looked set to win by a few lengths. However in the shadows of the post she weakened sharply and held on to win by just half a length over Outside Influence. The well backed favourite Competitive Street had a nice run behind the leader but could only manage a third.

The Concrete World and Roofline Trusses Handicap was won effortlessly by Donargy. This talented six year old won twice last season and also unsuccessfully had a tilt at a midweek race at Ascot. This season he looks to have matured nicely and after a nice first up win at the first meet repeated the dose on Saturday. Mr Magnificent loomed as a threat at the 150m mark but Donargy had plenty left in the tank. Mr Magnificent ran a gallant second and San Supremo, a stablemate of the winner ran on well to claim third.

Fourteen horses faced the starter in the Country Challenge Heat over 1300m and the race was sponsored by Duncan Stewarts Liquor Store. Brendan Corver saddled up four runners and spectacularly trained the Trifecta.

Just Sue flashed down the outside for three kilo claiming apprentice Andrew Castle and claimed victory. Damon’s Halo was close up in second and Kimberleys rocketed the last 100m to snatch third. Lady Berthe, the fourth Corver runner hit the line strongly and missed out on fourth place by a head. The next meeting will be held on Boxing Day. The first race will start at about 2pm.

Horses to follow: Cut And Dried, King Of The Stalls, Time Star, Marvon Sher, Designer Diva, Moss Street, Donargy and Kimberleys.