Howe, a trainer at West Melton, and the Canterbury-based driver Cox combine with five pacers at tomorrow's Winter Cup meeting.
All five look like each-way chances - if not better - but that crucial factor which cannot be easily quantified might have as much say as Cox or Howe.
''Most of the team is going near enough without having all the luck in the world,'' Cox said.
''Hopefully we can get a bit of luck on Sunday and won't be a mile away.''
Cox's best chance comes in the Golden Girls Sunshine Series final (race 9), especially after Happy Heidi dropped back from c3 to c2 after 10 starts without a win.
Her drop-back was timely, ensuring she would get the inside draw for the 2000m mobile pace, although Cox does not expect to ask the mare for an energy-sapping effort when the mobile arms fold.
''She's got gate speed but she doesn't always finish off if you use it, so hopefully we can just hold our own and trail the right one, and with a bit of luck, we'll get up the passing lane. She's got a bit of speed to pick them up so no worse than three-back and she'll be a good chance.''
Thisgirlisonfire (race 3) shares similar qualities to Happy Heidi, although her career begins tomorrow after showing some ability in qualifying for her race-day ticket.
''I drove her in her two trials and she's won them both and come from near last both times,'' Cox said.
''She's probably a bit like Happy Heidi - she's probably a wee bit weak at this stage. If she can be saved up for one run, she's got a good 200m dash in her.''
That Guy Finn is Cox's drive in the $8000 Winter Cup (race 8), but the simple formline does not fairly reflect his recent efforts, including a ninth at Rangiora last Sunday.
''He was desperately unlucky at Rangiora last week,'' he said.
''He sat four-back on the fence and I'm still waiting for a gap, really - I never pulled the [ear] plugs or anything.
''He's got a bit of speed for a big horse, so if he can get the right run at the right time, he's a definite each-way chance.''
Honey Smith may have peaked on his form for race 7 but Cox hopes his standing-start manners will put him in the race, while Happy As Larry (race 10) is another each-way chance if he settles in the running.
