Brisbane trainer Liam Birchley couldn't be happier having Robert Thompson aboard Casse Sqarette in Sunday's $50,000 South Grafton Cup.
Cessnock-based Thompson is the Australian record holder for the most number of wins and like Birchley, a regular visitor to the Grafton racing carnival.
"Having Robbie on is always a big plus," Birchley said.
"Hopefully he can get the best out of Casse Sqarette."
Birchley has only had the four-year-old son of Bradbury's Luck for three starts.
He is owned and bred by 'Jack' White of Texas.
"He wasn't quiet performing so Jack decided to give me a go," Birchley said. "He's a big raw-boned bugger, honest and consistent.
"Overall he does what you ask of him, a terrific horse to train.
"Obviously he's in good form and he probably should have won his past two starts.
"I haven't had many runners in the South Grafton Cup and never won it. It's a race I'd like to win."
Thompson opened his carnival account winning on outsider Threebigrivers for Grafton trainer David Campbell on Thursday.
Casse Sqarette launches from barrier 10 in the 12-horse field.