The Cup has risen spectacularly in status as a qualifier with the presence of icon Lee Freedman from the Gold Coast, Chris Munce, Matt Dunn and the strong contingent of locals.
It is also a qualifying event for the $3m Big Dance at Royal Randwick in November.
Without Revenge for Corey & Kylie Geran and 59kg for Andrew Mallyon is the value against the Matthew Dunn juggernaut of three runners in the Cup on a rain-affected surface.
Matt is in the zone training a double at Saturday's massive Gold Coast Magic Millions raceday.
Dunn's Eagle Farm and Doomben winner Eaglemont is a pronounced $2.70 favourite while stablemate Dorset Coast is a rough $26 chance.
Corey and training partner Kylie Geran purchased UK import Without Revenge for $40,000 from David Van Dyke's connections and the results have been spectacular along with some disappointment.
At a massive $201 Without Revenge finished a close fourth in the Little Dance at Royal Randwick in November behind Listed gallopers Spangler and Lion's Roar.
No fluke as Without Revenge then was runner-up twice last month at $21 in the Listed-Tails Stakes at Doomben and the Listed-Bernborough at Eagle Farm, both behind the Kris Lees-trained Acquitted.
The Muhaaar (GB) six year-gelding has already trebled his purchase price for the Gerans.
"This horse is quality, just so genuine, the odds have been ridiculous with his consistency and Listed form - $201 at Randwick and ran fourth then $21 when runner-up twice to Acquitted. The form says he's real good horse."
And the tight Ballina will suit his racing pattern from the good gate.
"He's won at 2000m on-pace, he's race fit with a good barrier and the distance is right. He'll settle into his pattern, just roll and sustain it."
However, the concern for most is Ballina at present is a Heavy 10 with showers forecast for Thursday and Friday.
Corey has concerns there and has accepted in the last race at Eagle Farm on Saturday as a precaution.
"Of course, Ballina and the qualifier is the priority, he handles rain-affected but our concern is he's an unknown on worst side of heavy so we're hoping is doesn't get too wet."
