He knew exactly which horse wanted in the race and immediately started campaigning for his selection.

Akasaki boasts a record of eight wins and eight places from 28 starts and has amassed more than a $250,000 in prizemoney.

He’s raced at Group and Listed level, won twice in town and is renowned for his booming finish.

All these achievements are spelled out on a promotional poster Jones had made in the hope of catching the eye of a slot-holder.

“Akasaki is a battler’s type of horse and we want to make sure as many people as possible are aware of him,” Jones said.

“We just need one slot-holder to see the poster and give him a chance. Akasaki never runs a bad race and is one of the best sprinters in the bush.”

Locals have wasted no time in getting behind Akasaki, sharing his poster on social media, buying tickets and promising to give him a starting slot if they are lucky enough to win one.

Anyone can buy a ticket for $5 from their local TAB outlet. Twelve winners will be drawn and they will have the all important task of a choosing a horse to represent them in The Kosciuszko.

“One of Akasaki’s owners Ian Campbell owns the Willow Tree Hotel and he’s been encouraging everyone who comes through the door to buy a ticket,” Jones said.

“Being in The Kosciuszko would be like going into the Melbourne Cup for me.”

At his most recent start in the Listed Ramornie Handicap, Akasaki finished just three lengths behind Brisbane-trained winner Havasay.

Havasay is a multiple Group-placed sprinter who has earned close to $500,000 in prizemoney.

Akasaki ran second to Easy Eddie in a photo finish at Rosehill Gardens in the start before that and flashed home from last at the turn to win by more than a length in a BM80 during the Scone Cup Carnival in May.

“He’s been a great horse for us since we got him at the end of 2016,” Jones said.