Trainer Mick Kent will play a double hand with Domesky and Red Buttons in an effort to win his second Ballarat Cup in as many years.
The Cranbourne-based Kent, who claimed the feature last year with My Bentley, has good hopes for both his contenders on Sunday despite the pair being maidens this spring.
Caulfield Cup runner Domesky is $5.50 second favourite with TAB Sportsbet while Red Buttons is at $17.
Domesky finished third-last in the Caulfield Cup but at his only subsequent run came with a brilliant finish from near last to go down in a photo to Musical Hit over 2000 metres at Flemington on last Saturday week.
Kent said that after his Caulfield Cup failure Domesky was set for the Ballarat Cup (2200m).
“He’s had an indifferent campaign,” Kent said.
“He’s better with his races spaced so after the Caulfield Cup we thought we’d target this race.”
Kent liked Domesky’s last run and also his effort when third to Dream Pedlar in the Group Three JRA Cup (2040m) at Moonee Valley on September 30.
“He’s an interesting horse and he’s got ability,” Kent said.
Domesky’s only two wins have been in a 1600m Mornington maiden and the Group Two Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) at Moonee Valley.
Brad Rawiller, who won on My Bentley last year, will ride Domesky who will carry 55kg, a half kilo less than last year’s Kyneton and Moe Cup winner Red Buttons to be ridden by Dean Yendall.
Red Buttons was beaten eight lengths when sixth in this year’s Kyneton Cup.
“The one thing I’ll say about him is he’s been carrying a lot of weight and he’s getting some nice weight off on Sunday,” Kent said.
“He’s working well and he looks terrific. ”
Last Saturday’s Eclipse Stakes winner Rothera heads weights with 59kg and betting at $4.40.
AAP TURF
