The pair have contrasting draws with Sicario coming from the poleline alley while Brallos Pass has drawn inside the second row.
Both pacers have district connections with Echuca’s Rob Rob Owen a part owner of Sicario while Brallos Pass is trained at Kyabram by Mark Watson.
Classy Brallos Pass is resuming from a lengthy spell but his trainer Mark Watson is anticipating he can run a big race on his return to the track.
‘‘The 2500m trip first-up is a big ask first-up but I’m very happy with him at the moment,’’ Watson said yesterday.
Watson believes Sicario is the horse to beat in the Group 3 $35,000 feature.
‘‘He’s a South Australian Cup winner and he won the Pure Steel at Melton last Saturday night so he’s in good form and has got the good draw,’’ Watson added.An interesting runner is Cankickatarget which has only raced in NSW and Queensland.
He’s a veteran 118 starts which have produced 25 wins and 27 placings and over $145 000 in stakemoney earnings so he is no slouch.
He is now back with his original trainer after being prepared in recent times by leading Queensland horseman Grant Dixon.
At his last start he won a race at Dubbo on January 22.
Last start Temora Cup winner Rusty Crackers has good recent form for this race as has the Lance Justice trained and driven Love Ina Chevvy, a winner at Melton last Saturday night.
Shepparton trained Winkanditsover is stepping up in class but caught the eye with a strong finish at Melton last Saturday night and could be a sneaky each-way chance.
●The other feature on the program, the J A Connelly Crystal Bucket for the trotters has drawn an even field of eight starters, headed by Kyvalley Finn and former Victoria Derby winner Stress Factor.
Kyabram trained Rory McHinson will be attempting a hat-trick of longshot wins in the race after wins at big odds in the Wedderburn Trotters Cup and at Melton at his last two starts.
●Enough nominations were received to split another of the features, the Tiff Murray Memorial, into two divisions.
Gus Underwood's tips:Echuca Pacing Cup: Sicario 1, Brallos Pass 2, Love Ina Chevvy 3, Cankickatarget 4.J A Connelly Crystal Bucket: Kyvalley Finn 1, Andyou 2, Jerichos Trumpet 3, Rory McHinson 4.
Echuca Pacing Cup lowdownGates open 5pm
Admission: $10 adults. Children freeFirst race 6.25pmLast race 10.17[pmPony trotsPunters ClubTAB and on-course bookmaker (Graham Adams)Full bar facilitiesBistro style dining and also take-away foodCoffee caravanIcecream vanFundraiser for Bushfire Relief For Animals AppealFree entertainment :Live Music with Studio 12Face paintingSupervised waterslide/jumping castleClassic Car display.