He won the race last year off 20m and seven of his nine wins have been raced on grass.
The Robert Dunn-trained Niraadi ran a useful fifth in the Central Otago Cup, a free-for-all, at Omakau on Sunday.
McBeths Boy, winner of the Gore Cup on December 27 could provide most opposition to Niraadi.
Mighty Memories, who set a track record for 2200m (mobile) with a smart 2.42.9 at Roxburgh on Tuesday is attempting his third win in five days.
David Butt, the Woodend Beach horseman, has one drive today - Mister Presley in the race for 3yr-olds.
He is the trainer of Mister Presley with his wife Catherine.
The Rocknroll Hanover-She's Mighty colt has won his only start, at Ashburton on Boxing Day.
Opting Options, the filly who was impressive winning at Omakau at her first start and her stablemate Nimrod, a last-start winner at Reefton, are likely to be prominent.
Eleanor Roosevelt, another stablemate with Robbie Holmes is a top fancy in race 6.
She was a last-start winner over a mile in 1.58.6 at Ashburton on December 8.
Hokonui Ben ran his last 800m in a dashing 56.4 to win at the Ashburton trials yesterday.
Hokonui Ben, who recently joined the stable of Jim Curtin, won the 1-2 win pace by a length in 3.04.1 for the 2400m (mobile).
He ran the final 400m in 27.9.
Hostile Grins showed he had maintained his fitness when he won the 3-win plus heat by two lengths in 3.09.4.
He ran the last 800m in a fast 55.4, the final 400m in 27.2.
