Tight and turning Moruya has always been a "horses for courses" and the major asset for Joe is that his foreman Shaun Coady and stable jockey Ruby Haylock have long been based at the track, working the team.

"Invaluable - they do a tremendous job since we've increased numbers; Shaun is a licenced trainer with several of his own and Ruby grew up riding this track, yep, nice chances all day," Joe enthused with runners in seven of the eight races.

"Pinning me down, probably Hurricane Coni is my best, he's forward enough first-up and his work has been super.

"Really tough win on a Heavy 10 over 1400m at Gundagai, up a bit in weight but that won't worry him.

"He'll be strong at the 1200m off that and drawn in. Has a bright future in better races."

The lightly raced Nicconi three-year-old has 60kg for Nick Souquet who won on him at "Gundy" in a Bodalla Pub Class 1, 1200m.

Ruby claims 2.5kg on rising King Gutho in the Bodalla Bowling Club Town Plate over 1010m.

"Naturally named after the Parramatta captain, might be a good omen after Origin Three.

"Flies first-up and back in grade off that Country Championships qualifier, I think he's progressive enough to be a Kosciuszko contender."

Joe Cleary was positive about Soul Lady despite drawing barrier 15 in the Aor Cranes & Rigging Maiden, 1200m.

"Really nice progressive filly, she'll go through the grades, while no favours out there she does get back, so hopefully some luck in running - I like her."

Typically, the strong local stable of Natalie Jarvis has leading contenders as does the premiership leading Team Price stable.

Following a heavy frost overnight Moruya is a Soft 5 in fine weather.