Victorian-trained stablemates Countcool and Zoomin are almost certain to contest the $120,000 Wyong Gold Cup.
Trainer Michael Kent said Friday’s Listed race was an attractive target because of the expected cushion in the Wyong track.
“I have been looking for racing surfaces for both horses that don’t have any jar in them and I have been told that Wyong is a great track,” he said.
“I don’t have a clue where (Wyong) is but I have done my homework about the track.”
Only below par trackwork at Cranbourne on Tuesday would convince Kent not to travel the pair north.
“I am keen to come to Wyong with both horses and so are their owners,” Kent said.
“I will make a final decision after trackwork tomorrow.”
The Wyong Cup has attracted 20 nominations but talented Queensland stayer Spechenka is unlikely to accept.
Spechenka, last year’s Summer Cup winner at Randwick, is expected to race at Eagle Farm on Saturday before making his NSW return.
“He’ll head south for the Newcastle Cup and providing everything goes to plan we’ll stay for the Metropolitan,” trainer Ben Ahrens said.
Chris Waller, who provided the 2010 quinella with Hawk Island and Snow Alert, has nominated Bellagio Wynn and The Verminator.
Ironstein, a multiple cups winner for Gerald Ryan, has been given 58kg topweight.
The Listed $100,000 Mona Lisa has attracted 23 entries.
Top mare Hurtle Myrtle winner heads the weights with 57.5kg from first-up Warwick Farm winner Red Tracer (56.5kg).
Several leading stables have multiple entries in the Mona Lisa with Peter Snowden nominating Ramornie winner Jerezana and Scone Dark Jewel winner Shannara.
Nominations from Gai Waterhouse include Sweetest Melody, the winner of her last two Rosehill starts and the promising Teardrop Rock, the winner of four races from seven starts.
AAP TURF
