A strong field of 13 accepted for the Group Two event.

Bitobliss, trained at Kilmore by Scott Stewart, returned to his best form last start with a final stride Free For All win over Keayang Cullen and Caribbean Blaster.

A winner of 22 of his 43 starts, Bitobliss has drawn gate nine for the Bendigo Cup.

Mah Sish, who was runner-up to Sushi Sushi in last year's Bendigo Cup on his way to winning the 2013 Hunter Cup, will start directly outside Bitofbliss.

The Tim Butt-trained gelding is coming off a disappointing seventh in Sunday's Horsham Cup.

The seven-year-old did cop some interference in the run.

Mah Sish's best form would put it right in contention, but a worrying sign is the horse hasn't won since February 16 last year when winning a heat of the Inter-Dominion at Menangle.

Of the leading chances in the Bendigo Pacing Cup, the Dean Braun-trained Im Corzin Terror has fared best in the barrier draw.

The six-year-old will has drawn gate four, but will start from gate three if emergency Victoria May comes out of the field.

Bendigo Pacing Cup field - 1. Wartime Sweetheart, 2. Victoria May (emerg), 3. Smudge Bromac, 4. Im Corzin Terror, 5. Composed, 6. Mustang Mach, 7. Uncle Wingnut, 8. Exciteusinthecity, 9. Bitobliss, 10. Mah Sish, 11. Jazz King, 12. Machin Out, 13. Alchemy.

Meanwhile, the Bendigo Harness Racing club has put its support behind the Kristy Thomson Appeal.

The BHRC will donate $1 from every admission ticket at Saturday night's event to the appeal.

Patrons at the Cup will also be able to donate to the appeal via collection tins.

The first of 10 races on Cup night is at 6.30pm, with the feature event scheduled to start at 9.30pm.