The meeting falls during the six weeks of harness racing's Team Teal Campaign - Girls Driving for Ovarian Cancer Research which has seen the Victorian Team notch up 53 winners and raise $21,200 in just 23 days. The Australasian TT tally-board shows 200 winners and $75,500 raised for the wonderful cause.

Drivers Codi Rauchenberger, Jackie Barker, Kaela Rhyhorec and Kerryn Manning have fourteen chances to land a winner for Team Teal Vic at Stawell this afternoon, with wins worth $400 added to the kitty, courtesy of HRV and TAB.

IN OTHER NEWS: Making hay: big funding boost to help grow jobs in St Arnaud

Stawell owner trainer Chris Blake enjoyed a victory courtesy of his 4yo mare Tic Tact at Ballarat last week.

The former Queensland pacer failed to fire in seven starts during his first preparation down south but has steadily worked into form after enjoying a couple of months off.

After starting from three out on the second line driver Grant Campbell settled Tic Tact towards the rear of a strung-out field but by the bell they'd followed the train forward to be perfectly poised in the one out two back position. Heading down the back on the final occasion, Tic Tact moved up three-wide to challenge the leaders and by the time they entered the home stretch, Campbell's charge had the race in her keeping.

Tic Tact strolled home to score by six metres in a rate 1:57.4 for the 2200 metre journey.

Murtoa owner trainer Laurie Young and his brother Gary also greeted the Ballarat winner's circle when their 8yo gelding Allawart Bob cruised to the line under a good hold from driver Aaron Dunn.

The son of former Wimmera star square-gaiter Allawart Ray led the field a merry dance through the entire journey and recorded a career best rate of 2:00.6 over the middle-distance of 2200 metres, scooting home in a very slick half of 59.0 seconds.

MAKING NEWS:

Allawart Bob now heads to Melton on Saturday night to contest the $10,000 Final at Tabcorp Park. "Bob" has drawn gate five in the "lucky last" race 10 at 10:50 pm. with Aaron Dunn again to drive.

Sad to hear of the recent passing of accomplished Rupanyup district horseman Stan Morrish.

The astute trainer/driver enjoyed success over many years with his small team.

I particularly remember the deeds of his 1986 Victoria Oaks winner English Beauty, another smart mare Swing Waltz (8 wins) and back in the Melbourne Showgrounds era, Step Dance.

Stan was always the gentleman, always stood tall and passed away quietly just short of 93 years. Our condolences are extended to his family.

They're off at: Stawell (D) Friday 26th February; Boort (Cup Day) Sunday 28th; Birchip (D) Sunday (Mallee Bull Cup) March 7th; Horsham (Invitation Drivers Championship) Labour Day Monday 8th and Charlton (Cup Meeting) Sunday 14th.

Best bet: R6 No.8 She Will Wantano $4 eachway

Value bet: R8 No.1 Troubador $3 eachway

Flexi bet: R6 quinella, standout no. 8 with nos. 1,2,6&6 spend $6

Last return: $12.80 @ Ararat Trots

Balance: $495.90