The race is sure to be keenly contested as the first three placed horses are guaranteed a start in the $30,000 2010 Hankook Tyres Country Derby Final at Gloucester Park on Friday, March 12.

Other feature races at Northam are the Bryce Stevens Memorial and the Jock Coleman Memorial, which pay tribute to two legends of the sport in the North Eastern Harness Racing Council Districts.

Jesse Moore has chalked up more local derby winners than any other trainer and is expected to have two starters..

The late Bill Whitfield also enjoyed a great deal of success with eight wins and Pinjarra driver Kim Young with five wins is expected to nominate two horses he trains for the 2010 Derby.

The late Jock Coleman is best known as the owner/breeder of Daintys Daughter and was also trainer and driver when she won the 1967 Country Derby Final after qualifying by finishing third in the North Eastern Derby.

She was recognised as Australia’s best mare at one stage when trained and driven by the late Bernie Cushing.

The late Bryce Stephens was a very talented horseman and skilful driver who had three wins in the North Eastern Council Derby.

Perfect Spring gave Kellerberrin trainer Terry Allington a change of luck when he won at Gloucester Park last Friday paying a $20.10 win dividend after a patient drive by Vance Stampalia.

The victory of Bronze Icon at Burwood Park on Saturday, February 13 was also special for Pinjarra trainer Brad Groves who races the gelding with his wife Kelly. Brad celebrated his 30th birthday that day.

His aunt and uncle Wendy and Peter Richards sponsored the race Bronze Icon won and his grandparents Doss and Max Smith celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary by attending the meeting.