The meeting also kicks off what promises to be its biggest season of racing since resuming in 2008 with the club’s premier race day being on Easter Sunday afternoon when the ever popular Carnival of Cups series debuts at Goulburn on April 24, 2011.

The day will feature the Frank and Edna Day Memorial whilst it is also likely to see the return of past signature events such as the 2yo Sapling Stakes or the Southern District Derby.

With prize money in the vicinity of $100,000 the racing is sure to feature many of the states leading horses and fans of the light harness sport should earmark the day as a ‘must be at’ event.

On Thursday’s programme local interest revolves around the Dennis Picker team who is represented by three strong chances.

In the final race of the afternoon, the $3,000 Goulburn Soldiers Club Pace over 2240m for the faster class horses, Dennis has Tappies Pass and Sailing Sovereign engaged.

Tappies Pass is a 6yo gelding who has raced competitively against much stronger opposition and will strip fitter following a recent trial run.

Sailing Sovereign is a well performed 5yo mare who was a recent close up fourth at Young.

Though Tappies Pass is resuming from a spell he should acquit himself very well and is more than capable of taking out the event.

In the third race, the $3,000 Top Water Carters Pace over 1710m, Little Kicker following a couple of recent fourths at Young has his opportunity to break into the winner’s circle.

Other local representation comes from Laggan based Daniel Rowell who has Sir Gorilla engaged in the second race of the day.

Little Gorilla will be facing the starter for the first time and is likely to be improved by the outing.

Goulburn based David Hewitt has a large representation on the day including the John McGeechan owned Slab Fracture. Scheduled to race in the fourth race, the 4yo mare was a recent winner at Canberra and is quite capable of repeating the dose after drawing well in barrier one.

With the first race set to go at 2.15pm gates will open at Noon and entry is free. For the convenience of patrons hot food, cold drinks and a licenced bar will be available. The club extends an invitation to all harness racing fans to come out and enjoy an afternoon of exciting racing at the Goulburn Paceway.