Smerdon combined with More Business in 2004 to emulate John's triumph on Sir Flight in 1980 and Robert's back-to-back successes on Roxboro in 1971-72.

Another Ballarat apprentice jockey, Sebastian Murphy, has the chance to do the same tomorrow in the $10,000 James and Son Burrumbeet Cup over 1800 metres.

Murphy rides Surfie Pete and if he manages to win, will join his father Garry and uncle Darren on the Burrumbeet honour roll.

Garry made it two when he added Surfie Pete this year to Rema's win in 1975, while Darren saluted on Flash Future in 1978.

Flash Future was trained by Robert Smerdon and gave Darren Murphy one of four wins for the day.

Sebastian Murphy's three kilogram claim gives Surfie Pete's hopes a major boost - easing the burden on topweight of 58kg.

The Darren Weir-trained Surfie Pete is coming off a solid second to Rural Law in the Kerang Cup, 1800m, on Monday.

Another Ballarat apprentice, Chris Nicoll, could be a stumbling block for young Murphy though.

Nicoll has the mount on Skalaad for Terry Kelly.

This provides a massive drop in class for the grey, which finished fifth to Silver Birch in the Australia-China Bowl at Ararat in late spring and then came third to King's Champ in city class at Werribee.

Kelly is so keen to take out the Burrumbeet Cup, he scratched Skalaad from the $27,500 Woodford Gold Cup, 1700m, at Warrnambool yesterday.

The consistent Yonnie which, like Skalaad, was a late nomination, is also a top chance after thirds at Hay and Kerang and a win in the Moulamein Cup on December 10.

* No surprise that Ballarat jockeys have dominated the Burrumbeet Cup over many years.

Stan Aitken, Craig Robertson, Patrick Payne, Walton Bones, Mark Britt and Danny Garland along with the Smerdons and Murphys have been among those to salute in the New Year's Day feature.

Rhonda Rees is another.

She has won the cup twice, on Bicker's Court in 1995 and Waiter's Eye in 1997.

Rees will be out to add to this tally on Ballarat galloper Bigtime Charlie tomorrow.