Removing one of Australia's richest races from the autumn schedule of Scream Machine could have its second reward in as many starts for the promising Sydney galloper.
Scream Machine is a confirmed starter for the $200,000 Scone Cup as the four-year-old tries to add Friday's feature to his recent Wagga Wagga Gold Cup success.
The last-to-first Wagga win not only confirmed Scream Machine as a horse of considerable potential but it justified trainer Jason Coyle's decision to abandon a Doncaster Mile start last month.
"Once we decided to skip the Doncaster, Wagga looked a nice option and he seems to have come through the race really well," Coyle said.
Scream Machine is one of 32 nominations for the race and Coyle says he doesn't have to know what the final field will be to figure out one of the marquee races during the two-day Scone Cup carnival will be run in a way which fits the gelding's racing profile.
"It's going to be a big field, run on a nice big track with a solid tempo," he said.
"Those sorts of things seem to suit the horse."
Leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller has the most Scone Cup nominations with four - Beaten Up, Firebolt, Illo and Say No More.
His Melbourne equal Peter Moody has nominated Floria and Plucky Belle and Gai Waterhouse has entered Epsom Handicap winner Fat Al and Somepin Anypin.
The Scone Race Club has received 30 nominations for the $500,000 Inglis 3YO Guineas, the richest event on a Saturday card which includes five black-type races.
Prominent Guineas entries include Ashokan, Flying Snitzel, and Sydney autumn carnival winner Missy Cummimgs.
Main support races on Saturday will be Dark Jewel Classic in which 29 fillies and mares have been entered.