Lindsay Gough is counting on Robbie Dolan’s extensive experience in major Cups to see Cavalry Man perform strongly on Saturday, despite the gelding drawing barrier ten for the 2150-metre Ipswich start.

While the Melbourne Cup is a more prestigious event, the Ipswich Cup stands out as the pinnacle of Queensland racing this weekend.

Cavalry Man, prepared by Gough at Eagle Farm, is slated to run in the Listed Ipswich Cup, with the objective of securing the stable’s first black-type win since 2013.

In his recent outing, Cavalry Man, a $3 favourite, clinched victory at benchmark 60 level over 1810m at Eagle Farm. Gough is now hoping the gelding can avoid a mid-race lull during the crucial stages of the race.

“He worked nicely into it but just when they straightened he probably got a bit flat for a few strides,” Gough explained. “It is hard to say but they might have dashed a little bit quicker than him but he looked the winner from the furlong.”

“He has prepped up well but we have our fingers cross from a sticky draw,” Gough commented on the disadvantage of barrier ten. “I’ve done my job so it is up to Robbie Dolan now. I’ll leave it to him. He’s competed at the top level winning the Melbourne Cup and he’s ridden more winners than me.

“Ideally we’d like to get some cover.”

For Gough, who manages a stable of about 15 to 20 horses, there is some statistical reassurance: five of the past ten Ipswich Cups have been claimed from barriers 10 to 12.

The five-year-old gelding is currently positioned at $5 in the betting for this race, while Matthew Dunn’s Belvedere Boys leads the market at $3.70 according to popular betting apps Australia. Check out the racing betting markets for the Ipswich Cup.