STRONG fields, improving track conditions, familiar names and the forecast of lovely sunny conditions sets the scene for a great day of racing at the 2023 Casterton Cup meeting tomorrow.

The club will be looking for a big crowd with a free bus for locals, while Mount Gambier and Hamilton will also be serviced with stop offs at Dartmoor and Coleraine respectively.

For racegoers wishing to glam up, Fashions on the Fields will be available for all ages.

Nine races await punters with the cup and Pullen & Co Steeplechase the highlight events.

It’s an early bird start with barriers crashing open at 11.45am for the Ecycle Maiden Hurdle, before concluding at 4.50pm with the McClure Earthmoving 0-58 Handicap over 2000m.

Field numbers are almost at full capacity, but it’s the quality of the fields that will please the club.

Last season’s three-peat steeplechase star, Elvison, is back to defend his jumping crown, while on the flat, Brawl will be looking to do similar in the cup.

The Bet365 Muntham Handicap has also attracted a good field of BM70 sprinters, where most runners have claims of winning.

For supporters of locally owned gallopers, the biggest cheer will come for Muntham Missile if she can land the cup.

The dual Hamilton Cup winner has had one previous unsuccessful attempt back in 2021 but looks primed to run well after two runs back from a spell, despite the prospect of a good track.

The wet-track star’s owners might be the only people on course cursing the improving weather.

The Lindsey Smith-trained Bold Bourbon should start favourite following an impressive win during the Warrnambool May Carnival.

Despite drawing the outside barrier, the gelding retains the services of Dean Yendall, who is in white hot form.

Elvison won his three steeplechase races last season with weights of 67, 73 and 74.5kgs and looks well-placed with 73 tomorrow.

The dashing jumper has regular rider, Aaron Kuru, on board, and the former Kiwi is in great form with six winners this season.

Steven Pateman will saddle up four challengers, Mapping the most likely to test Elvison.

The open hurdle looks like a ripping race with Fabalot, Castrofrancaru, Heir To The Throne, Count Zero, Tamarack and Furioso all chances.

Fabalot was sensational behind Saunter Boy in the Galleywood, while Castrofrancaru was impressive in his only two hurdle starts last season and look the hardest to beat.

It’s great to see Darryl Horner Jnr return to the saddle after a short retirement.

Horner rides 2022 Australian Hurdle runner-up, Tamarack, for legendary trainer, Eric Musgrove.

Adding to the atmosphere of the day as usual, will be the race calling of jumps lover, Rick McIntosh, and should Killourney win the opening race, he may take his calling to a new level.

Rick is a part-owner.

Good punting.