Cox is shooting for his 11th hometown feature but has endured plenty of heartache since last claiming the race with Elbrus in 2006.

Elbrus was ridden to victory by Newitt who will take the mount on Minnie Downs in his first ride in a Wodonga Cup for the Cox stable since finishing runner-up on Berringama in 2009.

Newitt claimed his second victory in Wodonga’s premier race last year aboard the Mick Price-trained Stratigraphy.

He now boasts an enviable record of two wins and a second from his past three rides in the $80,000 feature.

Cox, in the meantime, has endured a frustrating run when he came agonisingly close to landing his 11th cup with Berringama (2009), Cudgewa (2010) and Murdoch’s Joy (2011) each finishing runner-up.

Murdoch’s Joy also finished third in last year’s cup.

Cox was hoping Smoken Cash could also sneak into the final field and form a two-pronged attack in the feature mile.

Weights were released yesterday with the Peter Moody-trained Sneak A Peek allocated top weight of 61 kilograms.

Sneak A Peek is not expected to accept when the final field is released at 9.30am today.

The David Hayes and Tom Dabernig-trained Spacecraft will instead carry top weight of 60 kilograms with three-kilogram claiming apprentice Brandon Stockdale booked to ride.

The Michael Moroney stable also confirmed last start Flemington winner Saint Or Sinner was also a definite contender and will be ridden by Jake Noonan.

Albury trainer Brett Cavanough has engaged Linda Meech (Price Of Glory) and Jake Duffy (Prince Pedro) as he chases his first victory at Wodonga.

Sylvia Thompson remained hopeful Allelu could scrape into the final field.

Huon Hill will host a cup calcutta tomorrow night starting from 6pm in the sports bar.

Robert DiPierdomenico will be a special guest with tickets selling for $1.