Former Nowra-based trainers Robert and Luke Price ready to chase lucrative prize in $1 million The Gong

But for the second-straight year, a locally-trained horse will start as a genuine contender in the $1 million race.

Last year it was Kerry Parker's Think It Over, the gelding running third and using the event as a springboard for Group 1 success in March.

On Saturday it will be former Nowra-based trainers Robert and Luke Price's Count De Rupee, which flies the flag for the South Coast.

The gelding enters the race among the fancied chances, having run an impressive second in the $7.5 million Golden Eagle last start.

The Gong has been an event the co-trainers have targeted since it was launched in 2019 and Luke said it will be a special moment when the gates open on Saturday.

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"You always hope to have the right horse for this race," Price said. "This could be the only year he can compete in this race, it's great timing for us and the horse.

"We've been setting up for the last five years, going to the sales, we've had good systems in place and it's all coming together now.

"It's more special when it's one we've bought for ourselves, we've developed it, we've brought him through, been patient. I've always said he'll be a four-year-old before we see his best.

"You put a $1 million race on your home track, horses race a little better on their home track, this horse certainly does. He'll be peaking on the right day and at the right time of year."

Kembla Grange officials remain confident the feature meeting won't be affected by rain after Saturday's meeting was abandoned.

More than 100 millimetres fell throughout the past seven days, leaving stewards to determine the track was unsuitable for racing.

Clear skies are forecast for much of the week, with the chance of light showers on Thursday and Friday.

While disappointed Saturday's meeting had to be abandoned, Kembla Grange racing manager Michael Craig said the track should be back in excellent condition next weekend.

"The forecast looks a lot better for next week than it was this week," Craig said. "We've got another seven days to recover.

"If the weather is kind to us over the next week, we probably will be racing on a Good 4."

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Price is hopeful the track will dry out enough to enable Count De Rupee to gallop on the course proper this week.

The gelding will be ridden by stable apprentice Brock Ryan in The Gong, having also steered the horse in the Golden Eagle.

Count De Rupee has an impressive record on his home track, with three wins and a second from four starts.

Saturday, however, could be his fifth and final race at Kembla Grange, as the Price's set their sights on some of the biggest events in the sport, including The Everest.

"I had such high expectations for the Golden Eagle, I still have high expectations this week but I'm feeling less pressure," Luke said.

"I hope he performs to his best. We might not get the opportunity to race him at Kembla too much more with the way he's going.

"His record at Kembla Grange is outstanding. The race he didn't win, he was only beaten a short margin over an unsuitable trip. Hopefully he gets the job done on Saturday."

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