Training for the cup has stepped up a notch, with the second favourite ( Simon ) now joining Dave Mac as equal favourite after a quiet 176klm session on new years day.

The Rookie could be a late scratching after he was spotted outside the vets quarters on all fours trying to immitate a cow.

A late entrant who will require some respect and could push for favouritism, is thespeedster from M.B.M. the very fit Glynn.