The Dale camp will also be confident that emerging three-year-old Sweet Cheval can break through in the final race at set weights at his fifth run this prep.
Loading
Earlier, the frustration is set to end for rival Canberra trainer Nick Olive and connections of four-year-old Jack The Brumby, who has been close-up in two runs this prep at home, both times having to work hard from wide draws.
The fleet-footed son of Equiano who ran four straight second placings in his first prep is again drawn off the track at the Sapphire Coast, but gets a beneficial small drop in distance, and has enough speed to cross this field and lead.
Two other Canberra stables can light the fuse in the opening Maiden Handicap over 1407m.
Lightly raced four-year-old Bubbler, trained by Todd Smart, is suitably placed fourth-up with a 3kg claim for new apprentice jockey Jess Del Frari; while Rob Potter-trained mare More Shots is on the cusp of breaking through after storming home to miss by a whisker last start at Scone as a heavy favourite.
Ironically, they are likely to all take a back seat in the feature Cup (1607m), with South Coast and Kembla stables set to dominate.
Honest Shoalhaven six-year-old Rosierro has been tackling tougher races all prep, and is drawn to get the right run; popular Moruya mare Boom And Zoom will have admirers coming back from a big run in Highway company; while Kembla trainer Theresa Bateup saddles up three runners headed by progressive four-year-old and last-start winner at the track, Club Legend.
Tips supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au