Waterford, now entering his third year as Come-By-Chance Picnic Race Club president, said the bolstered field would ensure good racing at the iconic bush track.

“We’ve picked up six and seven from two and three so it will be great if we can get them all to accept,” Waterford said.

When nominations closed at 11am, Monday just three horses – Prince Raheed, Nardoola Kid and Faux Pas – were listed as Pentag Commodities PJ O’Brien Memorial Come-By-Chance Picnic Cup runners.

The trio, last Saturday’s Collarenebri Cup trifecta, was later joined by Stormy Skies, Temperate Prince and Castlebar.

The supporting 1000m Dubbo City Toyota Kensington Open Handicap had just Bloodsport and Cousins Way nominated, however, the field size was increased with the addition of Martin Fernando’s The Ebenezer Kid and In A Circle as well as Glenorchy, Fast Pat and Grand Expectations.

Come-By-Chance, 100km north-west of Coonamble in the Pilliga district, earlier this week received about 10mm of rain – and it could not have fallen at a better time, according to

Waterford.

“It will clear and when it does it will be beautiful,’ Waterford said.

“The little bit of rain we’ve had will keep the crops going and keep everyone happy. The track will be great and the countryside has never looked better.”

The six-race card in total received 40 nominations including 12 in the 1000m maiden plate, six in the 1400m class B handicap, four in the 1200m class B handicap and five in the 800m class B

handicap.

“It’s going to be a great meeting and we have the support of plenty of great sponsors,” Waterford said.

“There will also be bonuses for the leading trainer and jockey on a points basis and the kids will be looked after by “Pookie” the clown, who is coming from Dubbo.

“We will also have a singer to entertain everyone until 9pm,” he said.

Acceptances for the Com-By-Chance picnics close at 9am today.