It’s that time of the year again when the first of the two year-olds get mobile.  The Fitton Insurance Hopeful Plate at Toowoomba this Saturday is the traditional opener and early nominations indicate its 24th running will be another keenly contested event.

First season sires Ad Valorem (Darley), All Bar One (Oaklands), Red Dazzler (Eureka) and Chateau Istana (Oaklands) will be represented by their first starters in the Hopeful Plate.

The race has unearthed several top flight gallopers including Orr Stakes winner Special Dane, Doomben 10,000 hero Laurie’s Lottery, Tommy Smith Slipper winner Paprika and Magic Millions placegetter Reigart.

Tax Evader (2c Ad Valorem – Zebithea) can give local racing enthusiasts Pat O’Shea and David Silver at running double.  They won it last year with Ghostnthedarkness.  Tax Evader is trained by Michael Nolan.

Fellow local Mark Webb has nominated Toowoomba trial winners Peterhof (2c All Bar One – Russian Delight), Daydreamer (2f Chateau Istana – Claire’s Vision) and Flammable (2f Ferocity – Enlightenment).

Trainer Ben Currie will saddle up On Appeal (2g Easy Rocking – Raw Appeal) for local owner-breeder and club committeeman Kim McCasker who raced the 1997 winner Laurie’s Lottery.

McCasker also bred Outer Edge (2g Parameter – Star Tripper).  He is trained by Mark Palmer of Beaudesert and won its trial at Toowoomba earlier this month over 400 metres.

John Wallace has nominated Class of Gold (2f Mossman – Coed) and Silvakini (2f Red Dazzler – Ossie Cossie) while All The Torque (2c All Bar One – Majestic Slipper) is an entry for Deagon’s Nathan Schofield.

The $75,000 Fitton Insurance Hopeful Plate is the richest race in Queensland this week and it also plays a pivot role as a fundraising event for the Cancer Council.   Over $750,000 has been raised for the worthwhile charity organised by the Fitton family.