The Jo-Ann Gordon-trained 7yr-old has found himself in open company after scoring impressive wins in his last two starts at Wingatui.
Ringbolt's rise has come as a pleasant surprise to his trainer.
"He has been full of surprises and they have been pleasant lately," Gordon said.
"He has always had the ability but he hasn't always shown it, but he has been firing lately."
A wild week of Southland weather should provide Ringbolt with the conditions he likes today, after the Gore track was downgraded to a heavy rating yesterday afternoon.
Gordon said the horse's fitness should be his primary asset in his biggest career test.
"He should be one of the fittest horses in the field, which should be to his advantage.
"There are a few higher rated horses in there, but they haven't been racing.
"Nomen Ludi will be the one to beat and he has raced through the winter as well."
Nomen Ludi effectively steps down in class in today's event.
The Ellis Winsloe-trained galloper went two big races in premier company at the Grand National Carnival before scoring a deserved win over 1600m in his last start at Riccarton.
Gordon hopes today's race will provide a good guide for Ringbolt's spring plans.
Not only will she get a guide on how he measures up against proven horses like Nomen Ludi, the trainer will get a guide on how Ringbolt will perform in his first run past 1600m.
"It's a good chance to see if he's going to get going to get 2000 metres. He has the Winton Cup coming up and at Ascot Park and it is going to be testing there, so you don't want to be going in to that underdone."
Lochan Ora impressed when winning the South Otago Cup at Wingatui recently.
The Kelvin and Aimee Tyler-trained 8yr-old carries 57kg courtesy of Kin Kwo's 3kg claim.
Nomen Ludi (59.5kg), Ringbolt (54kg) and fellow contender Londonderry Air (56.5kg) will carry their carded weight.
Another race fit galloper will step up to open grade for the first time in today's open 1200m event.
Last start Wingatui winner Always On Call goes into the race after scoring a good front-running win on her home track.
A heavy track would provide the Terry Kennedy trained 6yr-old with conditions to suit.
"She has come through that last run very well and she should love the conditions," the trainer said.
Always On Call's 54kg weight gives her a 6.5kg advantage over the topweight Irish Excuse.
The Ellis Winsloe-trained veteran will carry 60.5kg courtesy of Corey Campbell's 2kg claim.
Irish Excuse battled on a puggy Wingatui track behind Lochan Ora in the South Otago Cup.
Recent rain should mean the Gore track is not as holding, which should suit the horse.
Wingatui mare Black Label was fourth equal with Irish Excuse in the South Otago Cup.
Moss Jazz, who carries just 51kg thanks to Amless Bohorun's 3kg claim, adds to a competitive open sprint.
Four horses trained by Te Akau trainer Jamie Richards have been scratched from today's Gore meeting.
