His trainer Michael Barby has never shied away from backing up It Is Billy three or even four weeks in a row at top level.

This time last year the now eight-year-old ran in the Shepparton, Ballarat, Victoria and Hunter Cups in consecutive weeks.

While he came up empty-handed, Barby has no doubt he benefited from the experience of tackling the best the Australasian grand circuit has to offer.

It Is Billy is back in this type of company again in Saturday night’s $120,000 PETstock Ballarat Pacing Cup, 2710m.

And Barby has no doubt drawing barrier two gives the home-bred gelding his best opportunity so far to make an impact in a group 1 event.

One of the 2016 Geelong Cup winner’s best assets is his gate speed and Barby is looking forward to driver Anne-Maree Conroy making the most of it to land a forward position.

Barby said the plan was to use It Is Billy’s initial burst to secure a sit close to the front –  hopefully on the leader’s back.

“We’ve got an opportunity to follow a good horse and put us in the race.”

It Is Billy goes to Bray Raceway after contesting the Horsham and Hamilton Cups in the past two weeks.

Barby said It Is Billy’s form was much better than it looked on paper.

“He’s going really well. He had no luck in Ballarat (the Lightning Mile on Boxing Day) and again at Hamilton.”

He charged home in the sprint lane at Hamilton for fourth and Barby has no doubt the would have finished much closer but for being held up on the home turn and then being checked in the home straight.

Barby says It Is Billy goes into the Ballarat Pacing Cup a much more rounded performer and more “match-hardened” than when he contested the event last year.

“He was the new kid on the block then.”

Barby was putting the finishing touches to It Is Billy’s preparation for Saturday night with a swim as he spoke to The Courier on Thursday.

Barby said swimming was a key element of the pacer’s training regime – hitting the water a few times a week.

He said it was an important aspect of keeping It Is Billy sound, as well as ensuring he kept a fresh outlook to racing.

New Zealand champion four-year-old Lazarus remains a firm favourite for the Cup.

TAB.com.au has him $1.35 ahead of Lennytheshark $4.80 and last year's Ballarat Cup winner Smolda ($5.50).

Others: $15 Major Secret, $21 Young Modern, $101 It Is Billy, $151 Adam Cartwright, $301 Savesomtimetodream.