1 - Scherzoso

2 - Lidari

3 - Cool Chap

Scherzoso and Cool Chap are emerging types on the way up.

While many Cup starters are nearing the end of spring campaigns, Scherzoso is only in the early stages of his campaign and looks exceptionally well weighted.

Lidari is a proven top class performer and ready to win. 

A win for Lidari would not only be a second Ballarat Cup for homewtown trainer Darren Weir, but also a great story for Irish jockey John Allen.

Allen found his way to the Weir stable in pursuit of greater opportunities over the jumps.

He has achieved that and much more.

Allen is now well and truly entrenched on the flat, having become a group 1-winning rider.

Looking for a certainty?

There's no such thing, although those who chosen to back the great Black Caviar and of late Winx might argue with this.

There look to be two good things on Ballarat Cup Day.

The Darren Weir-trained Speedeor is being hailed as having a massive future - having made a huge impression down the straight at Flemington in Melbourne Cup Week.

He looks the good in the Magic Millions 3yo and 4yo Classic, 1100m

Don't expect any fancy odds, but the winner of his past two starts should cash you up for the Ballarat Cup.

Then's there Charlevoix for two-time Ballarat Cup-winning trainer Mick Kent in the Hertz BM78 Handicap, 2300m.

Charlevoix would have been a top chance in the Cup, but is third emergency.

Get on here. 

With the biggest stable in Ballarat, no surprise that Darren Weir has the biggest hometown representation on Cup Day.

He isn't the only Ballarat trainer with hopes of  being in the winners' stall.

Watch out for these:

Dan O'Sullivan

Aurelius Hero (race 2) - place hope

Captain Crackerjak (race 7) - has not been far away of late. Not without some chance 

Pat Cannon

Punt Club (race 6) - first-up, but last-start Geelong winner. Has been placed first-up

Layne's Star (race 7) - has not raced in almost a year. Will probably need time

Archie Alexander

El Rada (race 6) - two starts for last-start Ballarat win. Worth an interest 

Henry Dwyer

Sonntag (race 8 - Ballarat Cup) - Dwyer has an arm of his Caulfield stable in Ballarat. Sonntag has not shown much this preparation, but did finish third in the Cup last year. You just never know

Who has the best record on the Ballarat track?

There are numerous runners with one run for a win, but the classy It Is Written looks the best in this category.

He has two seconds from two starts in Ballarat and he's a classy performer.

Then there's...

Aurelius Hero (race 2): 9 startsd for two seconds and fourth thirds

Arianne (race 9): 4 startsd for a win, second and third

No matter whether you've had a good day on the punt or one you'd rather forget, everyone wants to finish with a winner,.

So who is in race 10 wortth backing?

Here'ss a few down in the weights to consider - Duibio for Ciaron Maher and Septamore (Darren Weir).

And good luck.