The lure of racing for group 1-level stakemoney under handicap conditions was enough to entice the connections of Dr Drill to the listed $500,000 Sportsbet Ballarat Cup, 2000m, on Saturday.
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With a $150,000 increase in prizemoney, the Ballarat Cup is now the richest race in regional Victoria.
David Eustace, who trains in partnership with Ciaron Maher, said it was an enticing proposition at the end of a long campaign.
The imported Dr Drill has been in work since April and the cup will be 11th race of the campaign.
Eustace said the gelding did not require a lot of work, with his preparation all about keeping the mind fresh - an approach with includes frequent visits to the beach.
"This race has been the plan since he won the Cranbourne Cup.
"The $500,000 is a good carrot. It's group 1 prizemoney and it's essentially an open handicap.
"He's had a good preparation and he's probably due a break after Saturday and then we can look towards the autumn I would say," Eustace said.
Eustace is still hopeful Dr Drill will be joined by stablemate Etana in the Cup.
With 20 acceptors, she is first emergency.
Etana won the Queensland Oaks lead-up, The Roses at Doomben in May, before
AT A GLANCE
BALLARAT CUP DAY
10 races
Race 1 at 12.25pm
Cup (race 8) at 4.40pm
Race 10 at 5.55pm
SHUTTLE BUSES
$10 one-way
Leaving Little Bridge Street (via Ballarat and Wendouree railway stations)
from 10.30am (for about two hours)
Return service from 4.30pm or subject to demand
finishing last in the Oaks and has failed to show her form in two runs this campaign.
Eustace is expecting an improved run.
"She raced much better at Flemington last time," he said.
"She'll strip fitter again on Saturday and if she can sneak into the race she'll give it a little squeak."
Second emergency Harbour Views remains the favourite despite not yet having a start.
He has been backed into $3.80 with Sportsbet fixed odds, with Dr Drill next at $4.60.
CIARON Maher and David Eustace have the early favourite for the Magic Millions 2yo Clockwise Classic, 1000m.
Rathin is quoted at $3.30 ahead of the Mick Price and Michael Kent junior-trained Euphoric Summer at $4.20, La Girl $5.50, Soul Obsession $6 and Pounce $8.50.