That time of the year again

IT’S that time of the year again when the country cups roll around…which means it’s also the time when leading trainer Ryan Hryhorec shines.

During the past few seasons Hryhorec has dominated the provincial features – particularly the trotters’ division – like no other.

For example, in 2022 Hryhorec became the first trainer in the nation to complete a clean sweep of a state’s Trotters’ Cups before being a regular on the dais in 2023.

Hryhorec then won four Cups in 2024, and six last season, including the Fred Jones, Kadina, Gawler Hambletonian, Kapunda, Strathalbyn and South Australia Trotters’ Cups.

Kadina is poised to kick-start the 2026 circuit on Sunday, with Hryhorec to be represented by three runners in the 2050-metre handicap.

Successful in last year’s $40,000 South Australia Trotters’ Cups, Phoebe Onyx will share the 30-metre back mark with his stablemate Is That A Bid.

To be driven by Gaita Pullcino, the gelding is expected to be close to peak fitness after two runs from a spell.

The son of Wishing Stone has finished second on both occasions, including one behind Is That A Bid at Globe Derby last week in what was the latter’s debut for Hryhorec.

Dani Hill will take the reins behind Is That A Bid, with Hryhorec electing to partner Aldebaran Dexta from the 20-metre line.

Aldebaran Dexta was third behind his stablemates last week in his first outing from a three-month break.