Trained by Ron Stubbs, Spunlago has been backed from $26 into $16.

That price will shorten further after Ciaron Maher said he will scratch Thunder Cloud from the cup today.

Spunlago finished midfield in the Canberra Cup last-start after being trapped wide from an outside barrier.

Stubbs said he was not without a chance in his hometown feature.

"It's a hard race to assess with Sydney form, Melbourne form and Canberra Cup form," Stubbs said.

"Ambitious is the class horse after running in group 1 company.

"But he isn't racing at his best at the moment so that has to be a query.

"Spunlago's last run was a lot better than it looks on paper.

"He drew the outside barrier, was trapped wide with no cover and still hit the line strongly.

"I walked away very happy with the effort."

Spunlago has drawn the rails with Winona Costin booked to ride.

"He should get a nice run from the draw and I expect there to be good pace in the race," he said.

"My horse can run a cheeky race for sure."