WITH a home track advantage at his back, Geoff O'Brien is hopeful of taking out Saturday's Willow Tree Cup.
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The Quirindi trainer will have two hopes in the 1000 metre showcase event, Grasscutter and Snipex Abaa.
However, he concedes victory is not assured.
"It is a really strong race," O'Brien told the Leader.
"In my opinion there is probably three or four really good chances in this race.
"Here's hoping it's a good opportunity for my two runners."
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O'Brien will be up against stiff local opposition in the form of the Gunnedah trainer Sally Torrens (Coroglen) and Armidale trainer Stirling Osland (Pig 'N' Whistle).
However, O'Brien believes a home track advantage will work in his favour on race day.
"Grasscutter does like the track with a bit of sting out of it," he said.
"At the moment, the Quirindi track is a good winter track, which should probably suit both of them.
"As well as that, racing in virtually their own back yard should suit them as well."
The Cup will cap off a busy day for O'Brien, who also has three other runners racing on the day.
"I'm not too sure how they will all go, but hopefully there will be some good results in there," he said.
"I think the 1000 metre distance will suit the two in the Cup, but I'm not sure how the others will all go.
"To be honest I'm really looking forward to seeing how it goes. Hopefully it will be a good day."
The Willow Tree Cup race jumps at 3.53pm on Saturday at Quirindi.