Comanche Gold, trained at Riverton by Graham and Michael Eade, has gained four of his five wins at Riccarton, mainly on rain-affected tracks.
He won the Coupland's Mile Prelude (1400m) in October, a 1600m in July and a double over that distance at the Grand National meeting.
"He has won all his races in blinkers," Graham Eade, his Riverton-trainer said. "We took them off when he started fresh and noticed that he was rail shy at Ashburton at his last start." Comanche Gold has been ridden in his wins by Jamie Bates, who has taken employment at an Ashburton meatworks after a knee injury.
David Walsh has ridden the Hawkeye gelding in his two starts back but he is sidelined with a leg injury. Lance Robinson has the mount tomorrow.
Comanche Gold travelled to Riccarton on Wednesday. "He has settled in well," Eade said.
El Chico, winner of the race last year in the hands of Lisa Allpress, has 59kg tomorrow.
Allpress again has the mount.
Eleanor Coup, who has staged big runs for minor placings in her last two starts, could break through for a win in the Riccarton Founders Cup (2000m). Eleanor Coup came from the rear of the field for third to Chase The Sun and Sun Valley in the Riverton Cup last Saturday. She finished second to Jafa Jack in the Hororata Cup.
Windwhistle was scratched at Wingatui yesterday in favour of a start in the Founders Cup.
Lee Callaway, who rode him to win over 2000m at Cromwell two starts back, has the mount.
The Boys, another contender, was found to have an abscess on a wither after her lack-lustre run in the Riverton Cup.
