Big Day Out has enjoyed racing in the annual Tumut Sprint, winning the event in 2023 and 2024.
In 2023, Big Day Out had Jake Duffy in the saddle and was a class above his rivals, holding off Charming Pat and Mojo Music to score an incredible victory.
A well-supported $3.90 chance on that occasion, it was a special win for the stable, which scored three victories on the program.
In 2024, connections had to wait to find out their fate after Big Day Out initially finished second for Emma Ly, but upon protest, the result was reversed, with the Wangaratta galloper elevated to first ahead of Mojo Music and Fantini.
The eight-year-old Delago Deluxe gelding – now an 11-time winner – has been racing well this preparation, and three starts back, ran a lovely second behind the red-hot Teylu in the 1200m Benchmark 82 Handicap at Wagga.
While second favourite at Tumut today, and unbeaten on the tight-turning track, it’s a tough race.
Cassidy Hill is in the saddle with her three-kilogram claim, meaning Big Day Out will only carry 58kg in the feature.
He does come up against a couple of handy types, including experienced South East sprinter, Kattegat, and in-form Pretty Penguin.
Connections have drawn softly with gate three, and the stable will be hoping for another strong showing at Tumut.
On a busy day for the team, Weeding will also start Tristania (Milos Bunjevac, 57kg) in the 1000m Maiden Plate and Acantilado (Cassidy Hill, 61.5kg) in the 1200m Benchmark 50 Handicap.
Both gallopers were the early favourites in their events and have been racing well.
Kahawaty out to go one better in Tumut Cup
Michael Travers has been targeting a Tumut-Braidwood Cup double this preparation with five-time winner, Kahawaty.
In 2025, the Pride Of Dubai mare went close, finishing second for John Kissick in the Tumut Cup (1400m), beaten less than a length, before backing up and triumphing for Amy O’Driscoll in the Holbrook Cup (1400m).
Despite going close, the seven-year-old hasn’t won since, notching minor place finishes at Wagga and Narrandera, but she has been showcasing good form in recent outings.
Two starts back, the Wagga galloper had Shaun Guymer in the saddle and was doing her best work late to finish 4th, beaten 2.3 lengths in the Adelong Cup on January 2.
Last start, she travelled to Parkes and finished 5th in a stronger Benchmark 82 Handicap, beaten by 2.28 lengths.
At Tumut today, Kahawaty gets in nicely with gate one and 55kg, and Wagga jockey Josh Richards is aboard for the ride.
Still, it is a nice race, headlined by runner-up in the Tumbarumba Cup runner-up Astunner (Blaike McDougall, 57kg), and the enigmatic Gundy Guy (Billy Own, 58.5kg).
Michael Travers will take two runners at Tumut today, with maiden galloper Ballandella Street (Josh Richards, 57kg) taking on the 1400m Maiden Handicap.
Tumut Tips – Saturday, February 7
Race 1: Tristania
Race 2: Paralia
Race 3: Kattegat
Race 4: Kahawaty
Race 5: Acantilado
Race 6: Incantata
