Agterhuis said he had primarily acquired the country cups specialist with a view to putting him over the jumps.

Agterhuis races Aquiline in partnership with trainer Terry Kelly's partner Angela Bridges.

"The opportunity to buy him came up through Terry and given she (Angela) had had such a long and close relationship with him (Aquiline) I gave her a half share."

They have already picked up one feature victory - the Horsham Cup.

He described the Horsham victory as a real bonus.

"He's come up so well."

"He thinks he's a two-year-old," Agterhuis said about the now nine-year-old.

Drawing barrier 17 is going to make Aquiline's task tough, but as Agterhuis said having a runner in the Ballarat Cup was a big thrill after being involved in the racing industry for so long.

Aquiline might be considered an outsider, but he is certain to have a sizeable cheer squad with Agterhuis' company Roadcon hosting 100 guests in a marquee.

Aquiline might be the only Ballarat representative in the cup.

Robert Smerdon indicated yesterday that Satinspin might not start. The out-of-form Satinspin has drawn barrier 19.

Smerdon said the wide draw basically made the task "mission impossible".