Darren Weir claimed last year’s feature race with Prevailing Winds and will look to back it up with Farthing Wood this weekend.

The Hayes and Dabernig stable is well represented with five nominations, while Ciaron Maher and Anthony Freedman have also shown interest.

Albury Gold Cup winner Craig Widdison headlines the Wodonga trainers with Banger, while Peter Maher, the son of the late Jack Maher, and David O’Prey are both represented.

Racing Wodonga general manager Tom O’Connor admitted there’s a great mixture of local and Melbourne metropolitan trainers targeting the race, which can set them up for a strong season.

“Last year’s winner Prevailing Winds for Darren Weir has been running at Group 2 and Group 3 level,” O'Connor added.

Acceptances will be finalised on Thursday morning.