As a jockey Peter Stanley never had the opportunity to ride in a $100,000 race.

As a trainer the 58-year-old has a great chance to snare the major prize in Sunday's first heat of the Country Championship at Bathurst with in-form King Derota.

Stanley more than 1000 winners during a 30-year career centred around the NSW country circuit.

"I never rode in a race worth as much as Sunday but prize money has gone up a bit since then," Stanley said.

"We're ready to have a crack at it.

"King Derota is very well. I think I've got him right at his peak.

"It would be a dream come true if he could get through Sunday and go on to race at Randwick."

The first and second placegetters from seven qualifying heats have the opportunity to run in the $300,000 Country Championship Final at Randwick on April 4.

Michael Travers will ride King Derota while Hugh Bowman will be aboard the Mack Griffith-trained Binalong Road, the TAB's early favourite.

Now one of the country's leading riders, Bowman spent the first part of his apprenticeship in Bathurst with Leanne Aspros.

Binalong Road was at $4.20 on Friday with King Derota a $5 chance.

The Bathurst track was in the heavy range two days out from the meeting but with fine weather forecast, it is expected to be upgraded.