This will mark the first time the event has been held at the Shoalhaven City Turf Club after the event was moved to Moruya last year because of the South Coast floods.

"We had more than 400ml of rain the week before [the event] last year and when we did the track inspection a couple of days before, it would never have dried in time," Shoalhaven Turf Club's club chief executive Paul Weekes.

"The event was transferred to the Moruya Jockey Club, who did a fantastic job.

"However, it was disappointing for our club, hence why we are so excited to have it at the Archer Racecourse for the very first time this Sunday."

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As of Tuesday morning, the $150,000 race had 39 nominations, including Art Cadeau and Lady Demi, who are both trained by Shoalhaven Heads' local Terry Robinson.

"A very impressive field has nominated for the 1400 metre race," Weekes said.

"As far as I know, all the top benchmark horses, such as Art Cadeau and Rockarosa, will be here on Sunday.

"It's great to also see local trainer Terry Robinson have not one but two horses in the mix, with Art Cadeau being one of the strongest contenders in the field at this stage.

"From memory, Shoalhaven hasn't had too many local trainers compete in the country championships qualifiers before and so it's massive for Terry and the region to have a couple in contention on Sunday.

"It's never been an easy race to win and I know everyone will be cheering Terry's horses home and it would be great to have a local in the big dance at Randwick on April 3."

While all eyes will be in the feature race on Sunday, with the top two finishers securing a spot in the country championships final, Weekes explained Sunday is expected to be the biggest meet the club has ever held.

"This will be by far the biggest race meet we've held in Nowra, especially when you consider the prize money on offer," he said.

"It's an amazing opportunity for the South Coast community to witness top quality racing first hand.

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"We feel privileged that Racing NSW has entrusted us the responsibility to hold one of these events, which has been previously staged at Goulburn and obviously Moruya in years past.

"If we want to keep to the event in the Shoalhaven for years to come, it's up to all the punters and people of the community to get down to the track and support us on the day.

"With eight high-quality races expected, people will get the witness how strong this part of Australia is in terms of trainers, jockeys and horses - traditionally it's been the South East (including Goulburn, Canberra, Queanbeyan, Shoalhaven, Moruya and Sapphire Coast) and the Hunter regions that have set the benchmark in terms of quality.

"It's all coming together exceptionally well and I can't wait to see what happens on Sunday."