Local trainer Hunter Kilner hopes his smart sprinter Tara Hickory can go out on a winning note with victory in the GDSC Jacaranda Cup (1100m) at Grafton on Wednesday.

Tara Hickory had his first start this campaign in January this year, his program encompassing 19 runs to date.

"He's a tough little bugger," Kilner said.

"He's basically been up for 12 months but thrived on it.

"After tomorrow though, he can have a spell."

During this campaign Tara Hickory has recorded five wins, four of them on his home track.

The chunky five-year-old by British stallion Za-Im has an important jockey change with Queenslander Anthony Pattillo taking the reins.

"The young kid (Beau Appo) didn't do much wrong last start but a senior rider can push him out more," Kilner said.

Tara Hickory, who is owned by Bill O'Donnell, weighs around 450kg.

His toughness is unquestioned, Kilner freshening the gelding on occasions to keep him up and running.

"He's a horse that needs plenty of work," Kilner said.

"You've got to keep the work up to him, he's such a good doer."

Kilner said he had been happy with Tara Hickory's progress since his close last start third to Floral Insight and Rollem over 1000m at Grafton on October 26.

Kilner nominated Rollem, trained by Neil Godbolt, as the hardest to beat at Grafton.