The five-year-old gelding has been off the scene for six months after suffering a bleeding attack, which incurred a compulsory three-month ban.

Centre Arena will be ridden by Blake Shinn when he lines up tomorrow in the Benchmark 85 Handicap for three-year-olds and upwards.

“He barrier trailed at Broadmeadow last week, and won his event easily,” the trainer said.

“Saturday’s race is over 1400 metres and is a bit short for him. But he will go well.”

Bought for $9,000 at the 2006 Scone sales, Centre Arena has recorded three and a half wins and five seconds from 12 starts.

“Some of those seconds could easily have been wins,” the trainer added.

Jan Bowen races Centre Arena with John Gelder, a director of Muswellbrook Race Club.

Another Muswellbrook trainer Pat Farrell, met with success at Narromine on Monday.

Quick Acting, his sole representative, which was in the care of stable foreperson Christine McIntosh, won the Class 1 Handicap over 1200 metres.

Ridden by stable apprentice Nicholas Perrett, Quick Acting ($21.30 on the tote) won by a half neck from the favourite Open Skies.

“And he rode the four-year-old mare well,” Farrell said.

Farrell races Quick Acting in partnership with former Newcastle and Sydney Morning Herald journalist, Sam North.

Muswellbrook Race Club is busily preparing for the new year with two race meetings in January at Skellatar Park.

The first, on Monday, January 4, is the “New Year’s Gift” TAB meeting.

The annual Coolmore Jerry’s Plains Cup will be staged on Friday, January 22. This is also a TAB fixture.

Have a happy and safe Christmas.