They said the $110,000 event was not on the radar a few weeks ago.

"We weren't thinking about it at all," AJ (Anne-Jeanette) said.

Idealsomemagic's third in the Hamilton Cup on Sunday convinced the Tindales and the five-year-old's owners it was worth rolling the dice.

"He pulled up well, so why not?

"We'll get to see exactly where's he at," BJ (Beau) said.

Although Hamilton run was over a sprint distance of 1660m, the Tindales have no qualms about reverting back to the staying distance of 2710m in Ballarat against the cream of Australasia's pacing ranks.

And they are not concerned about drawing outside the front row.

BJ said "fantastic" speed and an ability to settle well in the run provided options to put him in the race.

He said Idealsomemagic would ideally be suited with the pace on, allowing him to run on hard at the business end.

The Tindales, who moved from Melton 14 months ago, purchased the son of American Ideal as a yearling at a mixed sale at Shepparton.

AJ said he had been passed in, but BJ took a liking to him.

While Idealsomemagic is yet to land a feature race, he has been a model of consistency with 10 wins - including five on end early last year - and nine placings in 26 starts and the Tindales have no doubt there is a lot more to come no matter what he does in Ballarat.

His second to fellow Ballarat Pacing Cup runner Tam Major in a Vicbred Super Series 4yo heat in Ballarat last season also gave notice.

As well as giving the Tindales a taste of the big time, Idealsomemagic provides young reinsman James Herbertson his first drive in the Cup.

Herbertson grew up around the corner from Bray Raceway and has developed into one of Australia's most promising drivers. Although he now lives near Lexton, Ballarat remains his home track.