Chant said while there was no doubting the class of Franco Noriega, missing two crucial lead-up races meant the talented pacer would tackle the feature race first-up from a spell.

The marathon trip of 2570-metres was also another major hurdle.

“First-up and not even having had a trial — he is a bit underdone,” Chant said.

“Most of his rivals have had at least a few starts this preparation and are rock-hard fit. He is probably only 80 per cent fit.

“He was meant to go around on Shepparton Cup night but got crook and we had to scratch him.

“He was also nominated for a race at Melton last week but got balloted out and missed out running again.

“If he had those two runs under his belt he would have been nearly spot on and I would have been a lot more confident.

“He is easily the most talented horse I’ve had in my stable and while I still expect him to be competitive he just might struggle late with his fitness against some quality opposition.”

Chant said it was still a huge thrill to have his first runner in his home-town feature which looked a competitive race with a host of winning chances.

“They look an even bunch and hard to pick the winner,” he said.

“It just looks one of those races that whoever has the most luck in running will probably win.”

Chant will also have stablemates Alcolism and Danielles Pride in the $7140 C1 To C2 Mares (1770m).

“Danielles Pride has got ordinary form but she is going a lot better than her form reads,” he said.

“She has galloped a few times in recent starts and then got caught three wide for most the race at Wagga on Tuesday night.

“If she is on her best behaviour she can be right in the finish.

“Alcolism is drawn to follow the leader and can win if she is able to get out at the right time.

“She is speedy but she can’t do a lot of work and can finish over the top of them with the right run.”