Grafton's John Shelton, who won the inaugural $1.3 million feature in 2018 with outside Belflyer, appeals with impressive Armidale winner Lady Tulessa ($2.30 into $2.15 favourite on TAB), along with Looker who typically has a full book.

While 2020 big race winner Cavanough starts dominant Lismore winner Babayka ($2.15 into $2 fav) again with Dittman.

Three-race winner Lady Tulessa, formerly with Kelly Schweida at Eagle Farm, has been placed in stronger races at Doomben and the Gold Coast and has found her niche on the northern rivers.

The five-year-old mare scored by a widening three lengths in smart time at Armidale and contests the Thankyou Bernie Quinn OAM BM 58, 1100m.

Shelton will also start three-race winning gelding and stablemate Cabsav ($3.60).

"They can both run well, the mare's probably more forward, this is a stronger race but nice speed - she put a space in them and the time was there," Shelton offered.

"Any time you've got an inside gate with Ben Looker, you've got plenty in your favour.

"She hasn't had a lot of racing, competitive in stronger grade up there, found her level here and can go on with it.

"But Cabsav is so genuine, won three for us, rarely misses a place and has first-up form."

Meanwhile Cavanough's dual winner Babayka, rarely led, is in the Whiteclaw Hard Seltzer Class2, 1200m again for Dittman.

The new season Ballina satellite stable of Cavanough is managed by his long-time employee Stephanie Alexander.

Cavanough extended to race on the northern rivers, Gold Coast and South Queensland tracks as the overwhelming presence of Sydney stables and big numbers at the NSW regionals meant bread and butter meetings for country trainers were no more.

Meanwhile, Murwillumbah has missed the bad weather and will race on a Good 3 track in fine conditions.