The now eight-time premiership winner has eight stages on the 11-race card that starts just before midday.
He rates course specialist Nellie Doyle as one of his best chances of the day.
She will compete in the Mike Austin Memorial Handicap (Race 8, 3.41pm), a heat of the Trevor Craddock Seddon Trotting Series, after making three from three on the course for trainer Tim Trathen on the opening day on Friday.
“She is in the zone and Tim has done her best,” says Orange. “She did most of the work and started with the handicap (20 metres) and was very strong all the way to the line.”
“Last year she was a girl and she hasn’t stopped winning.”
Nellie Doyle returns to the 30m on Sunday against a field that also includes another impressive first day winner in One Over Da Line, one of four winners for John Dunn on Friday.
One Over Da Line, Nellie Doyle and the Bob Butt-trained Ready Set Jet and Roydon Muscle all cost $4.
The day’s main pace will see the Nelson Classic Orange again pilot the Hayden and Amanda Cullen-trained Harrison John, who was a brave second to It’s Tough in Friday’s Nelson Cup.
It’s Tough will once again lead the way, with the race further boosted by the entry of Harrison John’s stablemate Hadron Collider and Central Otago Cup winner Pinseeker.
“He couldn’t have gone much better, he was parked for the last 1000 and went down with a moustache,” Orange said of Harrison John.
“It won’t be easy and I’m happy to be who I am.”
Pinseeker opened a $2.80 favorite with Harrison John and It’s Tough at $3.50.
Orange opens his day with Ridge in Race 2, the Nelson OTB Handicap Trot (12.22pm).
He broke badly on the first day and was never a factor.
On Sunday he starts as the winner of one race at 30 meters.
“When he trots he is a real chance, it looks like a winnable race for him.”
Other great prospects include Now Watch Me in Race 3, the Brown and Associates Pace (12:48).
On his debut, the Regan Todd-trained four-year-old got away slowly but was late in second place.
“He was very green, the penny has not yet dropped with him and when he has mastered it he will win a number of races,” says Oranje.
“Interesting over a mile, he was off awkwardly yesterday, but if he can get away with it he’s a chance.”
One of his rivals will be Hawk Touie Louie, who was a big favorite for trainer-driver Bob Butt on Friday but broke repeatedly and finished last.
Butt later reported that the gelding had thrown a shoe during the race.
And in Race 6, the Star Hotel/R and J Batteries Mobile Pace Orange will pilot another in-form Cullen-trained runner in Princess Renee.
She came second behind Captain Tyron on the opening day.
“She was beaten by a smart colt on the first day and from barrier one over a kilometer she will certainly get her chance.”
For full race entries, click here.
Through Dave Di Sommafor Harness News Desk
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