The Donna Scott-trained galloper is a recent stable addition and has notched one win and one placing from three starts since arriving at the stable late last year.

The five-year-old gelding will contest the $22,000 Benchmark 66 Handicap (1400m) with in-form apprentice Blaike McDougall booked to ride.

“He is probably borderline at the moment of gaining a start in the Country Championships but if he can win, it will guarantee a start,” Scott said.

Hail The Hero finished second at his most recent start at Albury, beaten just over two lengths by the Norm Loy-trained Waiting For A Mate.

Waiting For A Mate proved competitive at Flemington on Saturday, beaten just over three lengths by the Kerry Edwards-trained Rox The Castle.

Waiting For A Mate will also contest the Country Championships.

“I was happy enough with the last-start effort of Hail The Hero,” Scott said.

“Waiting For A Mate pinched a good break early in the straight but my horse chased hard and showed plenty of fight.

“I just hope there is plenty of pace on today to give Hail The Hero the best chance of running over the top of them.”

Hail The Hero is the $2.50-fav in early markets.

Scott hopes to have a three-pronged attack on the Championships with Supply Money and Bennelong Dancer being set for the race.