Ken and Kasey Keys are eager to add another local trophy to their long Cranbourne racing legacy with a tilt at the Listed Cranbourne Cup.

A two-time winner of the race — with Blue Collar Jack in 2006 and Boom ‘N’ Zoom in 2011 — Keys is relying on Scheelite to continue the family’s success, though the gelding must first gain a start.

Scheelite sits 24th in the order of entry for the $500,000 race, which holds a 16-horse limit plus four emergencies.

The Keys team has a fallback option in Sunday’s $200,000 Kilmore Cup (1600m).

The Cranbourne Cup has been a long-range target this preparation, with the father–daughter stable keen to chase a third victory.

“It would be the ultimate really,” Keys said. “It would be pretty special to win a third. It’s a little ambition and this has been the home track for ever. But it’s getting tough to get into this race now and if he doesn’t get in, we’ll go to Kilmore on Sunday.”

Scheelite has been a source of both promise and frustration, winning his first two starts before mixed three-year-old campaigns that included the Caulfield Guineas and Coolmore Stud Stakes.

Since being gelded, he has rediscovered form, finishing runner-up in the Peninsula Cup earlier this month.

“I’m really happy with how he is going,” Keys said. “The other day at Mornington, it’s probably one that got away.”

Jordan Childs has been booked to ride should Scheelite gain a start.