Warrnambool trainer Symon Wilde confident of 2019 Woodford Cup success

Shamal Lass, a restricted class galloper trained by Symon Wilde, is one of nine runners facing the starter on New Year's Eve after the early scratching of Snoano.

Wilde told The Standard punters should forget Shamal Lass' last run when she ran fifth earlier this month.

"Just forget she ran in the Port Fairy Cup," the Warrnambool-based trainer said.

"Her last run was a lot better then it shows on paper.

"Shamal Lass was slow out of the barriers and ran into a bit of trouble in the run.

"I was really pleased with the way she finished off the race.

"She's trained on well following her run in the Port Fairy Cup. I'm sure she will appreciate the 1700 metres of the Woodford Cup compared to the 1400 metres in the Port Fairy Cup.

"She's had the three runs from a spell and is very fit. With a bit of luck she should be in the finish.

"She's still maturing and I think going forward she's going to develop into a very good mare especially on soft to heavy tracks."

Veteran Stawell trainer Terry O'Sullivan saddles up Revlis in the cup and he believes the five-year-old will improve on his last start Flemington run.

"We had no luck from the wide barrier last time," he said. "I thought he was brave at Flemington and this looks a bit easier than running in town."

Long serving clerk-of-the-course Leo Dwyer, who has filled the role for 58 years, retires after the Woodford meeting.

Woodford Racing Club president Peter Haynes acknowledged Dwyer's commitment to the industry.

"It's an incredible performance by Leo," he said.

"He's been a top horseman for all that time. He's set a record that will never broken."

The first race kicks off at 2.25pm. The cup is at 6.05pm.

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