$250,000 bonus all but in the bank!

IT WOULD appear an act of God is the only scenaring capable of preventing top pacer Swayzee from reaching the first bonus stage this week.

Following Harness Racing New South Wales' bonus-offering Cup circuit during the past several months, Swayzee has captured the first two features in the five-race scheme.

Securing the opening leg in Parkes on September 20, Swayzee then won the Cherry City Cup in Young on November 8.

In what can only be described as a phenomenal promotion, the governing body has promised a mouth-watering $1million bonus to the connections of any pacer which completes a clean sweep of the Carnival of Cups series.

There is also a $500,000 bonus for any pacer which wins four and a $250,000 bonus for three wins.

With two victories already registered, Swayzee will aim for the third in Tamworth on Friday night.

Despite being the only runner dawn along the second row in the field of seven, the Jason Grimson-trained son of Rock N Roll Heaven is a prohibitive $1.04 TAB Fixed Odds favourite.

Cya Art is the only other entrant under double figures at $9 for leading horsewoman KerryAnn Morris.

To be driven by Joshua Gallagher, Cya Art has drawn barrier five.

Albury will host the fourth leg on February 14, with Penrith's Renshaw Cup on March 14 shaping as the ultimate race for the $1million.