Trainer David O'Prey considering scratching Lady Kermadec and Dunvegan

O'Prey looked to have two strong chances in the supporting races with Dunvegan and Lady Kermadec.

Both have been installed favourites for their respective races.

But both horses are unproven on heavy tracks with O'Prey contemplating scratching the pair if faced with a bog track on Friday morning.

Dunvegan is set to contest the $35,000 Maiden Plate, (1100m) with Simon Miller booked to ride.

The five-year-old gelding is set to resume from a spell after joining O'Prey's stable in May.

Dunvegan had two starts for the stable last preparation where he finished third on his home track.

He then finished outside the placings at his most recent start on a heavy track at Wagga.

O'Prey said he was seriously considering scratching Dunvegan.

"It looks a winnable race but he has got no form at all on heavy tracks," O'Prey said.

"So it's definitely a query.

"If it was the depths of winter I would probably run him.

"But if we wait another week we will find a good track somewhere which is my preferred option.

"A lot of work and planning goes into getting horses ready for the club's biggest day.

"So you only want to scratch a horse as a last resort."

Similar to Dunvegan, Lady Kermadac has been installed favourite.

Lady Kermadec has won her past two starts at Albury and gets into another winnable race in the $35,000 Benchmark 58 Hcp, (1590m).

The in-form mare is racing in career best form.

She is raced by several local football identities including Paul Spargo, Glenn Page, Ant McIvor, Jake Kowski and Simon and Justin Bone.

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O'Prey said Page bred the mare.

"Glenn Page bred the horse," he said.

"Our punters club that usually heads to the Cox Plate leases the horse.

"Vin Glass opted not to go in the horse and has been copping a bit of flak after the past two wins."

O'Prey said Lady Kermadec had taken time to mature and was starting to show her true potential as a four-year-old mare.

"She had a few issues early so I've given her plenty of time to mature," he said.

"But she has found form and continues to improve.

"She is a lovely strong mare who I feel will progress through her grades."

O'Prey will also target a hometown victory in the cup with This Skilled Cat.

This Skilled Cat is also yet to win in heavy going.

"He's looking for a mile, loves his home track and it wouldn't suprise me to see him run a cheeky race," O'Prey said.

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