While both Cup races are somewhat light in numbers, with just seven and six acceptances respectively, the glorious uncertainties of racing may well throw up pair of intriguing contests.

Myrniong trained stallion Im Anothermasterpiece, from the Jess Tubbs stable, will start a red-hot favourite in the Pacing Cup after his recent efforts in much stronger races.

IN OTHER NEWS: Police seeking information after vehicle damaged in Stawell Woolworths car park

The winner of 15 races and $521,735 in stakes comes to Ararat on the back of a luckless run when wide throughout in the $70,000 Bendigo Pacing Cup.

Prior to that the 5yo bay did all the bullocking work and finished a close second at Melton behind Bettor Be The Bomb with Wolf Stride third in very slick time.

Tubbs has handed over the reins on Friday night to Kerryn Manning with her partner Greg Sugars enjoying a short break courtesy of the stewards.

Veteran Tasmanian gelding Ryley Major (Zac Phillips) now campaigning on the mainland for Adam Kelly's Toolern Vale stable, showed there's still plenty of life left in the legs with a bold third in the Group 3 Pure Steel at Melton last weekend.

The winner of 31 races and $305,022 is a proven performer in Cup class contests, tough as old boots and equally accomplished over sprint, middle and staying distances.

MAKING NEWS:

The first two in the market rate well clear of Majestic Cruiser (Darby McGuigan) and Shadow Boxer (James Herbertson) both showing reasonable form of late and last start Melton winner, Modern Bliss (Michael Bellman)

Former New Zealand square gaiter Havehorsewilltravel (Kate Gath) opened a $1.35 favourite with TAB markets on Wednesday for the Ararat Trotting Cup with a perfect "six from six" record since crossing the ditch and joining the all-conquering Andy Gath stable at Long Forest.

The only query could be how he handles the smaller 800 metre circuit at Ararat but if he trots all the way should simply be too classy for his five rivals.

If by chance the hot favourite mixes his gait then the proven stand starters and usually reliable trio, of Well Defined (Ellen Tormey), Travel Bug (James Herbertson) and polemarker Scruffy Doolan (Ryan Duffy) are more than capable of spoiling the Andy & Kate party.

Kerryn Manning's outstanding on-track deeds were celebrated at Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday night when the female drivers' rooms were officially named in her honour.

Only days after she became the first female driver or jockey in the world to eclipse 4000 driving wins, Manning was also awarded a commemorative frame, commissioned by Harness Racing Victoria, that celebrated her feat.

Aided by reinsmen John Caldow and Mick Bellman, Trots Vision on-track host Rob Auber made the presentation and explained why the female change rooms were so deserving of bearing Kerryn's name.

"This was the drivers' room that once you owned by yourself, now you've got to share it with lots and lots of very talented women," Auber said. "It's only fitting that we name the ladies' drivers' room in your honour."

A chuffed Manning said "That's really really special, that is".

"Hopefully Mick Bellman doesn't write something on it but I'll know who did if he does," she laughed.

Best bet: R2 No.2 Spirited Belle $6 win

Value bet: R6 No.1 Good Faith $4 eachway

Value bet: R4 No.9 Sporty Culture $3 eachway

Ararat (N) Friday February 12th; St. Arnaud at Charlton (D) Sunday 14th; Terang (N) Cup meeting, Saturday 20th; Stawell (D) Friday 26th & Horsham (D) Invitation Drivers Championship, holiday Monday March 8th.