The Ballarat trainer has a leaning towards Wheal Leisure, but wouldn’t be shocked if Survived, ridden by Declan Bates, deals into his bags of tricks to snare the richest race on the Border.

Alexander is keen to capture his first Albury Cup after finishing fourth last year with Survived on a heavy track.

“Survived is tough and raw, but he is unpredictable,” he said.

“He could win or run last – he is that type of horse.

“He drew 14 last year and raced on a heavy track and this time will get a good surface and the inside gate.

“He has won three or four country cups for me and is coming back into form.”

As for Wheal Leisure, Alexander knows what to expect.

The mare will be ridden by prolific winning jockey Dean Yendall from barrier three.

“She is the more classy of the two and I can see her running well,” he said.

“She put in a bad run last time, but she is better than that.

“If she can win she will continue on towards the Sydney Cup.

“It won’t be this year, but maybe next year that I think she could run in a Melbourne Cup.

“She ran third in the Tasmania Oaks and fifth in the Australian Turf Club Oaks and won the Inglis Handicap at Caulfield.

“Her record is good and she would be the pick of my two.”

Wodonga’s Craig Widdison also has two horses entered, Willi Willi and Mr Fergus, as does Brett Cavanough with Bray and Brazen.