Telopea Downs veteran Texan Warney, Stawell gallopers Mujadale and Happy as Hell, McKenzie Creek’s Magic Consul and Horsham-owned Rainbow Storm all have claims in what is shaping up to be a wide-open race.

Rainbow Storm, bred by late Horsham racing identity Worrall Dunn and trained by Ballarat’s Darren Weir, has finished second in each of his three starts this preparation and looms as a contender from barrier one.

Weir is confident the four-year-old gelding, to be ridden by prolific Horsham jockey Dean Yendall, is in good order.

“He’s racing really well at the moment,” he said.

“Hopefully he’ll have a good run. I think he’ll do well.” 

Stawell trainer Paul Jones believes equal top-weight Mujadale stands a good chance to take out the 1800-metre feature.

“I’m pretty happy with the horse,” he said. 

“He went super first up after a four-week break.

"It was a hard run and to finish within five lengths of the winner despite racing wide throughout was really good.”

The seven-year-old gelding has drawn barrier five.

“He should be able to get a nice run from there,” Jones said.

“He’s suited to the distance at this point in his preparation.

“I’m happy with where he’s at and if he gets a good run, he should be in the mix.”

Darryl Dodson hopes three-time Horsham Cup winner Texan Warney, also carrying 60 kilograms, can capture his fourth trophy.

“He’s been going well,” he said.

“You wonder how long he can keep on doing this for, but he’s as good as he’s ever been.”

Horsham jockey Holly McKechnie, who partnered Texan Warney to Horsham Cup victories in 2010, 2011 and 2012, will again be in the saddle.

Dodson said he was looking forward to the day.

“It’s always good to race at the Horsham Cup meeting, especially if you win something,” he said.

Happy as Hell, trained by Stawell’s Terry and Karina O’Sullivan, is coming off a win in a 1600-metre race at Hamilton on Sunday.

The four-year-old gelding will be ridden by former Stawell jockey Jack Hill from barrier eight.

Terry O’Sullivan said it would not be an easy task.

“It’s a tough race. He’s drawn out a bit,” he said.

“He pulled up well after Hamilton though and we’re confident we’ll be competitive. He’ll be one of the chances for sure.” 

O’Sullivan said he was looking forward to racing in higher company.

“Although this is a step up in class, he does have a bit of class,” he said.

“He’s won twice at Caulfield and should race well at Horsham.

“We’re looking forward to the race.”

Paul Preusker’s Magic Consul is also coming off a win in a 1600-metre race at Hamilton.

He is hoping for a bit of luck to complement the five-year-old’s talent.

“He won his last start but the two before that were a bit disappointing,” Preusker said.

“He probably should have won in Adelaide but things just didn’t pan out.

“We have had five starts this preparation for three wins and two ordinary runs.” 

Horsham and District Racing Club manager Lisa Inkster said the club was looking forward to a great day. 

“The weather looks superb and the track is in perfect spring racing condition,” she said.

“Last-minute preparations are coming together beautifully.

“The committee and staff have worked tirelessly to bring the day together.”

Mrs Inkster said the club was rapt with the early support of Wimmera residents and visitors.

“We knew marquee bookings were likely to be affected by the change to the Friday this year,” she said.

Mrs Inkster hopes people embrace the new cup format.

“We’re encouraging everyone to join us in the evening, with live racing from Moonee Valley on the big screen from 6.30pm, live music and full on-course facilities available until late,” she said.

The first race on the eight-race card will jump at 1.20pm.

The cup is at 5pm, with the last race at 5.40pm.