Jason Sharp will chase a long‑awaited hometown triumph on Friday night when rising star Eventuate lines up in the Group 2 Sportsbet Geelong Cup at Beckley Park.

After 15 years chasing victory in the iconic local feature, Sharp believes this could finally be his moment, with Eventuate to qualifying with an eye‑catching second placing in last week’s heats.

“We’ve tried every year to win a Geelong Cup and we’ve had a few placings, but we really want our name on our local Cup,” Sharp said.

Eventuate announced herself as a kennel star during the Australian Cup Carnival at The Meadows earlier this year, storming to an unexpected victory in an Australian Cup heat at start number 10.

At the time, Sharp said the young chaser had the potential to become the next standout performer for the team.

Eventuate has drawn box one for Friday night’s final, a draw Sharp believes gives her a genuine winning opportunity.

Box draw below, a wrap of each heat further down.

1. Eventuate (Jason Sharp)
2. Mav Reiko (John Barbara)
3. Paw Fabian (Correy Grenfell)
4. Paw Matic (Correy Grenfell)
5. Paw Quinby (Correy Grenfell)
6. Tripped Out (Nat Presutto)
7. Brother Doom (Jason Thompson) SCRATCHED
8. Paw Waverly (Danny Gibbons)

1st Res. Simply Stunning (Peter Presutto)
2nd Res. Paw Lovisa (Sam Grenfell)

“When the draw came out, I thought we were in with a big chance,” Sharp said.

“It’s a very even race and all eight dogs could win it, but she’s drawn to be suited better than some others, so I’m happy with that.”

“I don’t think she needs to lead the race – she’s probably the strongest dog in the field,” he said.

Paw Matic (3) wins the final Geelong Cup heat over Eventuate (5).

Team Sharp is also hopeful of seeing Colac Kid return to the track. He sustained a hock injury which required surgery.

“He got his plate out last week so we will wait for it to heal and go back for another x-ray in another two or three weeks.”

“He is coming along really nicely, and we will hopefully see him back racing in three to four months.”