Fresh from their Champions Mile success with Ceolwulf, jockey Chad Schofield and trainer Joe Pride will look to continue their winning run when Coal Crusher lines up in The Hunter (1300m).
The eight-year-old is chasing history as the first dual winner of the $1 million race, having taken it out in 2022 under Tyler Schiller.
Coal Crusher also carries sentimental value for Schofield, whose father Glyn steered him to multiple early victories.
“Dad was riding him when he was a young horse coming through the grades… I think he had at least five or six wins for him,” Schofield said.
“I haven’t won on him yet… I know the horse well. He has obviously been set for The Hunter and he races very well at that track.”
Coal Crusher has been competitive all campaign, including a brave fourth from a wide draw in the Russell Balding Stakes.
From gate four, he meets a strong field but drops in class, with Golden Mile the only Group 1 winner engaged.
“He is just a good, honest, old horse and he tries his best every start,” Schofield said.
A win would be well-timed, with the jockey set to begin a one-month suspension after Saturday.