They include Clean Majesty, Cathay Belle, Metro Myth and Opera Blu, which won the maiden two years ago.

Metro Myth is a nine-year old gelding and has won more than $81,000 in prizemoney.

Opera Blu is a seven-year-old Chestnut gelding that has won more than $151,000 in prizemoney.

“Opera Blu will probably go in the big sprint race,” Mr Woodward said.

“He’s won 70 per cent of the sprint races in the northwest.”

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Apprentice jockey Alena Skerritt is tipped to ride Opera Blu, while Mr Woodward is considering Belinda Hodder as the jockey for Metro Myth.

Across the region and other trainers are preparing for the prestigious annual race, to be held on February 10 and 11.

So You Know took the first step towards a Walcha Cup-Quirindi Cup campaign when he surged to a dominant win in the $20,000 FSDP Benchmark 70 Handicap (1200 metre) at Tamworth.

The Scott Thompson-trained seven-year-old gelding will definitely take part in the Walcha Cup.

He had been handy to leader Lucky Sky before racing clear for a two length win from Alaecia Bennett’s Captain Scott while the Colin Dixon-trained Lucky Sky held on doggedly for third.

So You Know knocked up his eighth career win at start 50 to kick his prizemoney through the $100,000 barrier.

Bill “Bot” Thompson used to be So You Know’s trainer, however, the Quirindi horseman and trainer has handed over the reins to his son Scott this time.

“He’s always been a trier,” Bot Thompson said.

“Not a great horse but an honest horse.”

Scott Thompson agreed.

 “Yeah, he’s just been so honest for us,” as he walked the son of Snippetson to the swabbing stall with swabbing steward Barry Vincent. 

So You Know’s won over the 1400 metres.

“If he wins [at Walcha] we will try and stretch him out to the mile at Quirindi [on Friday, February 24].”

Pro Consul won last year’s cup by half a length. He finished just ahead of Bendemeer- trained horse Santiago, ridden by Daniel Northey.

The six-year-old bay gelding had won nine of his 35 starts and four of his last five.

Previous cup winners include Latitat in 2015, Jefferson Park in 2014 and Pitt Street in 2013.

Nominations close on Monday, February 6 and weights are declared on Tuesday, February 7.

Riders must be declared before Wednesday, February 8.

The Walcha News will publish a full form guide in its February 9 edition.

- with Hunter and North West Racing Association