Leon Corstens insists Zabeelionaire is a victim of what could be a bygone era in Australian racing as the stayer tries to end a long run of outs in the Winter Cup.

Hopes have been high for an exciting staying career in almost every one of Zabeelionaire's 17 starts since he won the 2012 South Australian Derby.

It is an expectation borne out of a South Australian Derby honour roll sprinkled with horses who have left their mark on Melbourne's major Cups.

But the reality is it's been more than a decade since a South Australian Derby winner made an impact on the spring.

And Corstens, a veteran trainer who worked alongside Bart Cummings in many successful Cup campaigns, has been around long enough to know the Derby doesn't rate well enough these days to guarantee a serious shot at the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.

"He's been a frustrating horse but against that I think he's been a bit over-rated on the strength of winning the Derby," Corstens said.

"I haven't seen too many weight-for-age winners come out of the race."

Also an acceptor for a Flemington race, Zabeelionaire will head to Sydney in search of firmer footing in the $100,000 Listed race at Rosehill.

"The forecast for Melbourne isn't good and there's every chance they could be racing on a heavy track at Flemington," Corstens said.

Zabeelionaire hates wet tracks, placing only once in six starts in rain-affected going and Corstens is hoping better ground will complement the five-year-old's attitude on the training track.

"Work-wise I couldn't fault him and I haven't given up on him winning again," Corstens said.

Zabeelionaire, a Sam Clipperton mount, has been ignored in early Winter Cup (2400m) betting as a $10 chance.

Last year's winner Destiny's Kiss ($2.50) has tightened his grip on favouritism with Josh Parr confirmed as his rider.

Parr will ride at two racetracks on Saturday as he continues an association with the Snowden stable on Cluster in a Maiden race at Kembla Grange.

One of the best maidens in Australia, Cluster will start a short-priced favourite in his first start for Peter and Paul Snowden.