The Courier sports team will each morning bring you up to date with any overnight stories from the Ballarat region and a look at the day ahead in sport across the district.

RICHARDSON COACHING COBRAS

FORMER North Melbourne player Cam Richardson will coach Bacchus Marsh in the Ballarat Football League next season.

The North Ballarat Roosters premiership player fills the vacancy left by Western Bulldogs legend Doug Hawkins, who was at the helm of the Cobras for one year.

The Cobras announced the appointment late last night.

Richardson joins Bacchus Marsh after being delisted from the Kangaroos' rookie list at the end of last season.

He played eight games with North Melbourne.

EX BULLDOG TAKES HELM AT MELTON

BRAD Murphy is the new playing coach of Melton in the BFL.

The ex Western Bulldog replaces Bob Heaney, who stepped aside at the end of the season.

Murphy, 28, was drafted from the Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup in 2002.

He played seven games in four seasons at the Bulldogs before being delisted at the end of the 2006 season.[2]

CAULFIELD CUP

RACING Victoria will declare third acceptors for the $2.5m Caulfield Cup at noon today.

Tuscan Fire from the Dan O'Sullivan stable is the only Ballarat-trained galloper still in the running for a start for the Cup on Saturday, October 19.

The seven-year-old is guaranteed a berth in the field if O'Sullivan chooses to take up the option.

Tuscan Fire earned a ballot exemption by winning the Mornington Cup early this year.

Ballan district-based Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock-owned Dandino is also set to be a third acceptor.

From the English stable of Marco Botti, Dandino is based at the Werribee racecourse quarantine centre.

BALLARAT GALLOPS

BALLARAT Turf Club continues its spring with an eight-race card on Thursday.

Fields will be finalised today.

Entries for the main event, a $30,000 country showcase benchmark 70 handicap, 1400m, features Melbourne Cup nomination Bono Vox from the David Hayes stable as the top weight with 61kg.