Wodonga jockey Nick Souquet first rode a 3YO Nothin Leica Dane gelding in an inconspicuous 1000m trial at Narrandera in August 2004.

He and the Richard Freyer-trained gelding finished fourth, six lengths off the winner. Just over a year later that now 4YO gelding, Leica Falcon, was charging home hard to finish fourth in the 2005 Melbourne Cup behind Makybe Diva, supposedly with the racing world at his feet.

However, Leica Falcon succumbed to injury to be sidelined for 12 months and was then stranded a stone's throw on the wrong side of the Murray River when an Equine Influenza outbreak halted racing in New South Wales and Queensland.

On Sunday Souquet reunites with Leica Falcon in the $103,000 McCormick Benalla Cup (2306m) with high hopes the 7YO gelding can recapture his best form by returning to a country environment.

Trained at Corowa in NSW by Freyer, Leica Falcon has been a mere shadow of his former self in his four runs in 2008, which have all been Saturday class in the city.

"We're hopeful he'll race well, that is what Richard is looking forward to," Souquet said, adding that the pair had spoken about tactics last night and would speak again tonight following the draw of barrier six.

"We expect that he'll get back a bit and be running on strong at the end."

Souquet added this run was about returning the horse's confidence, with the expectation Leica Falcon can again put his best foot forward.

"It is always good to ride a good horse anytime and he'll appreciate the distance. We're hopeful he'll run well this time."

Souquet has a good record on Leica Falcon. Following that initial trial at Narrandera, Souquet rode Leica Falcon from his second race start to his sixth, posting three wins (Wagga twice and Corowa) and two fourth placings. He relinquished the reins when Leica Falcon ventured to metropolitan class.

Sunday will be the first time Leica Falcon has raced in his local region since his sixth career start at Wagga, with many hoping the 7YO gelding rediscovers that winning form that led to him being the boom horse of Spring 2005.

On course Country Racing Fashion Ambassador Sally-Anne Marshall will be judging the Harvey World Travel Benalla/Le Black Book Fashions on the Field competition.

Categories on the day include Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Couple, Young Racegoer, Best Dressed Junior and Miss McCormick, with one of the category winners selected as the Benalla representative in Country's Best Dressed Racegoer competition.

Winner from 32 country meetings throughout the 50 days of the Spring Racing Carnival will be online at www.springracingcarnival.com.au vying for the title of Country's Best Dressed Racegoer, with the winner determined by public votes online.

There will also be free kids' activities on course and TAC representatives will be present providing free breathalyzer checks to ensure everyone enjoys a safe, fun day at the races and gets home safely.

PIC - Greg Irvine.

Country Racing Victoria Media Release Published 02/10/08