It is hard to knock the credentials of gelding Tara Hickory, who has a 50 percent winning strike rate from his past ten starts going in to the Thank You Rex Kelly Benchmark 74 Hcp (1000m) at Grafton on Friday.

Tara Hickory has won six races, including five from ten starts this campaign, with different jockeys in charge each time.

Young apprentice Beau Appo will have the mount on Friday, reducing Tara Hickory's weight to 51 kilograms in the seven-horse field.

Tara Hickory will start from the outside alley which won't adversely affect his chances, according to his trainer Hunter Kilner.

"He has never led and won and prefers to sit just off them," Kilner said.

"He is getting up in grade, but is down in the weights so I expect him to go well again."

Kilner has done a terrific job keeping Tara Hickory, not only winning, but racing over an extended period.

The wet tracks during the winter put him off course, but since striking a firmer surface Tara Hickory hasn't looked back.

However, the drop from 1200m to 1000m on his home circuit is of some concern to Kilner.

"He always races around that distance so it will be interesting to see how he goes," he said.

"He has been in work since this time last year and even though I think he might need a spell he continues to race well."

Kilner is unsure how long Tara Hickory can maintain his consistency, but for now he is enjoying the ride, along with former bookmaker and Grafton life member Bill O'Donnell.

"I have known Bill since the 1970s. He had a share in a horse called Legal Giant with me and owns this one himself," he said.