This time veteran Savesomtimetodream will carry the family colours into battle.

The $120,000 event is close to Rowse’s heart and not just because it is his hometown cup.

When he is not overseeing a small team of horses raced by family and friends, Rowse is carrying out his duties as Ballarat and District Trotting Club chief executive officer.

It means he does not get have the opportunity to fully savour the experience of having a starter in the group 1 event given he is so busy on the night, but it remains a special moment being part of one of the biggest races on the Australian harness racing calendar.

While in the twilight of his career at nine years of age, Savesomtimetodream is having his first start in the Ballarat Cup.

He is following in the footsteps of now retirement stablemate Decorated Jasper, which ran in the race four times.

Rowse knows the enormous task facing Savesomtimetodream – he is the rank outsider – but knowing this will be the gelding’s last chance to tackle the Cup he thought “why not?”

No matter what he does, the winner of 18 races will mark a notable milestone on Saturday night.

This will be his 100^th race start as he endeavours to have his first victory since November, 2015.

Much of the talk since the barrier draw was carried out on Monday has focused on the battle for the lead.

There has been plenty conjecture as to who will lead. Will Smolda be able to hold out Lennytheshark? What factors will Young Modern and It Is Billy have in the early battle? And where will favourite Lazarus settle?

One this for sure, as the only starter on the second row Savesomtimedream will be one not involved in this battle. Reinsman Jason Lee will have the choice of following out who he likes and then drive for luck.

Whatever happens Savesomtimetodream will add to his career earnings of $208,000 and also have given Rowse and stable support team another experience to remember.

WHAT’S ON

Ballarat Pacing Cup

Saturday, January 21

at Bray Raceway

- nine races

- first race 6.30pm

- features races Ballarat Pacing Cup and EB Cochran Cup

- Billy Brownless with Billy’s Wheel

- children’s activities

- punters’ club