When Ori On Fire heads to the races, Mudgee mayor Des Kennedy is reminded of the night his pub almost burnt to the ground.
The four-year-old is one of the leading contenders for the Central Districts Country Championships heat at his home track on Sunday and if he wins, the celebration will be at the refurnished Oriental Hotel.
“We were having the naming barbecue on State Of Origin night in 2015 and I was late because the laundry in the pub was on the fire,” Kennedy said. “Fortunately, they were able to stop just before it got into the rafters.
“So I was late to the naming party and when I walked in the other two blokes were laughing and said they had the name, Ori On Fire.
"It is the only name I have had to explain when I have put it through, but I told them a different story.”
The Benfica-sired gelding has proven more than handy around the bush, winning three of his nine starts and two of the past three in his preparation for Sunday.
Kennedy is hopeful he can take him to the $500,000 final. “Cameron [Crockett] thinks he is as good a horse as we have had with him,” Kennedy said. “We had Are You Sure and Barbass with him, but this bloke has always shown ability and is just putting it together.
“He ran fifth in a hot form race in Scone last prep and has really hit his straps this time in.
You will now receive updates fromSport Newsletter
Sport Newsletter
Get the latest news and updates emailed straight to your inbox.
“He ran a record at Tamworth first up and then just didn’t handle the trip to Sydney when we went for a Highway Handicap.
“He won well at Bathurst last time and I think being on his home track is a big advantage on Sunday because he doesn't have to travel.
“I think Most Exalted is going to be very hard to beat but, if runs up to his potential, I think we can make it to the final.”
Ori On Fire is one of three runners for Crockett, who also has outsiders Prince Of Thebes and Turcotte looking to qualify for the final at Randwick on April 7.
Mack Griffith has the two favourites, Most Exalted and Schedule, in the race first up.
Race diary
Monday: Tamworth, Taree. Tuesday: Nowra. Friday: Muswellbrook, Port Macquarie. Saturday: Carrathool, Cowra, Yass.
[contf] [contfnew] 
SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
[contfnewc] [contfnewc]
