Both are returning from spells, with Strictly Concert jumping from barrier 10 with Luke Cumberland on board, one from the outside, while five-year-old Eye On America jumps from barrier one with Andrew Gibbons to ride.

Strictly Concert will carry 62kg while Eye On America, who has won all three of his Tamworth starts, has 61.5kg.

“There’s not much else around to take them to, and [it is] pointless taking them to Sydney,” Mason said.

“Both have been working well. Strictly Concert is looking for a bit longer but Eye On America is a chance. Hopefully he will show something. Strictly Concert will get back. That’s his pattern but hopefully the other horse will put himself there.”

Eye On America has won four of his 10 starts and is in line for a Country Championship heat run at Scone later in the year.

Friday’s meeting will, at this stage, be run on a good-four track, with the rail out 2m for the full circumference, said track manager Lindsay Bowne.

“The track is just starting to take off,” Bowne said in reference to the course’s recent renovation. “It’s on the improve and while we still have a few issues it can only get better in this growing season.”

TJC general manager Kay Jeffrey said seven races will be run with almost 90 acceptors.

“We have had good acceptances despite plenty of racing in the HNWRA [Hunter and North West Racing Association] in the past few weeks,” Jeffrey said.

The recent action includes the Inverell Cup, the Wallabadah Cup, a Quirindi meeting and two Scone meetings.

“It just goes to show the need for more races in the area,” Jeffrey said. “There are a lot of horses that need a start.”

She hopes a lot of holidaying tradies will be at Friday’s meeting.

“It’s a good opportunity to come out, and [it is] also a good run to our Concrete Industry Suppliers Country Music Cup meeting on Thursday, January 25,” she said.

“That’s the day before the long weekend and a part of the Country Music Festival. In the past we’ve just had our race day but this year we’re doing something different and have some country Music stars out here on the day as well as a band (Shannon Watkins Band) playing on the front lawn for a couple of hours after the races. It’s a good opportunity to kick off your heels and have a bit of fun before heading off around town.”

The Country Music Cup meeting is also a free entry day as well as being a Showcase meeting, where all races are worth $30,000.”