But the Donna Scott-trained sprinter was unfortunate to bump into Santa Ana Lane in 2017.

Lord Von Costa finished a brave second behind Santa Ana Lane who would go on to stamp himself as one of the best sprinters in the world and $8 million in career earnings.

Scott is hoping her injury plagued sprinter can capture one of the most prestigious races on the Southern Districts racing calendar on Thursday.

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Santa Ana Lane has had two unplaced runs this preparation at Caulfield on unsuitable firm tracks.

"We probably were a bit stiff to bump into Santa Ana Lane that year considering what he went on to do in his career," Scott said.

"I was over the moon with Lord Von Costa's first run back this preparation and then he was hindered by a track upgrade at his most recent run.

"Now he is a bit older, his legs feel it when he runs on a good 3 and he's a lot better on rain affected going.

"Hopefully Wagga is getting the rain we are getting in Albury on Tuesday to soften the track up a bit.

"I don't think he showed the turn of foot he is capable of in Melbourne on those good tracks but hopefully he's back to his best on Thursday."

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