Near-record nominations should mean full race cards and plenty of action for punters, but a date clash with A Day on the Green could mean a smaller crowd than the 800 strong at last year's event.

Armidale Jockey Club secretary manager Jim Dedes said 141 horses were nominated for the races.

“The Guyra locals and business houses support the races well,” he said. “It’s usually one of the biggest race meetings of the year, although this year it is clashing with the Day on the Green.”

With 141 nominations and $150,000 in prize money, he expected full races when acceptances were announced today.

“Local trainers have shown tremendous support with the most horses, but there are also trainers coming from all over nothern NSW including Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Taree,” Dedes said.

The 2016 cup winner Shazza’s Bubbles trained by Ross Stitt, Taree, won’t be back to defend her title in the 1400m race and, with 27 horses nominated, and excellent track conditions it’s shaping up to be an excellent race. 

There’s a chance the cup will go home to Guyra, with three local trainers who have entered horses in Saturday's races and two local horses in the Cup. Terry Vidler has Mondays Expert nominated for the Guyra Cup and Victory Vibes for the maiden handicap, while Ian Cook has Our Blevic nominated in the cup and his horse Sathern entered in the maiden.

Kingston Time, trained by Paul Grills is entered in the Armidale Cup Prelude and Cliveden House nominated in the Benchmark 55 Handicap.

Fashions on the Field this year will be sponsored by The Guyra Argus, Guyra Pharmacy, Guyra Fuels, Rafters Restaurant, Terry’s Menswear, Hodder and Sons, Bule Belles, Sue Ross Real Estate and Renne Maree.

Prizes will be awarded to the best dressed lady, best dressed gent, the best dressed couple and for the best hat.

Buses will pick up racegoers from the Guyra Bowling Club at 12pm, then the Royal and Guyra Hotels, with buses returning after the last race.