Pittsburgh has won almost $100,000, with most of that coming since the four-year old transferred from the Anthony Cummings stable after his last race there in August, 2016.

“He had a flexor tendon injury and we bought him through an internet sale,” McCarthy said.

“We’ve had a lot of luck with horses with that injury and to have him be so sound, it’s just fantastic.”

McCarthy paid $15,000 for the horse, which had never won.

“It was probably expensive for a horse with that injury, but he had reasonably good form and is exceptionally well-bred, he’s by Fastnet Rock out of an Encosta De Lago mare,” he said.

“Because we’ve had success with horses with that injury and because he was so well-bred, we decided to take a risk with him.”

If the four-time winner was to claim the Cup, he would more than double his earnings.

McCarthy has also been able to share the success with his brother Brendan, who’s a well-established trainer at Caulfield.

“It’s been great racing with my brother for the first time in many years,” he said.

Pittsburgh claimed its best win in the Albury Mile (1600m) on Sunday, with a number of runners also nominated for the Cup.