Donna Scott-trained Lord Von Costa targets another Flemington success

The talented sprinter is set to contest the $100,000 Quality Hcp, (1100m) with Craig Williams booked to ride.

Lord Von Costa finished midfield at Flemington last month when resuming from an 18-week spell on an unsuitable heavy track.

Scott said she was praying for the rain to stay away over the weekend so the track can remain in the soft range where her stable star excels.

"I would have preferred if the race was over 1200m because its been a month between runs," Scott said.

"But he has performed over 1100m previously as well.

"We have waited a month in between races so I'm sure he is fresh enough so it won't worry him.

"I think the heavy track took its toll on him late when he was resuming last month.

"He just seems to love the soft going but doesn't like it firm or heavy."

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Scott said she was buoyed by the booking of Williams.

"I rang up about a week ago to book Craig and his manager got back to me virtually straight away which is a good sign after he rode him last start," she said.

"Craig was happy enough with his first-up performance but felt he got a bit keen during the middle stages and then peaked on his run late.

"If he had of settled better, Craig said the horse finishes a lot closer.

"He didn't get beat that far so he doesn't have to improve that much to be right in the finish on Saturday."

Lord Von Costa has drawn barrier 13 in the field of 14 which shouldn't prove to be a disadvantage down the straight course.

Meanwhile the Geoff Duryea-trained Front Page has been installed a $13-chance for his city debut in the $112,000 Listed A.R. Creswick Stakes, (1200m).

The promising three-year-old has created a big impression in winning successive races since resuming from a spell.

Front Page won by almost 10-lengths when first-up at Albury.

He then scored another dominant win at Wangaratta after copping plenty of mid-race pressure.