It will be the first meeting at the Nursery Of Champions since late December.

2010 Sandown Cup winner Macedonian heads the 27 entries for the Marong Cup.

The Peter Moody-trained gelding made a strong impression over the jumps last year.

The eight-year-old won its first two hurdle starts before running third behind Wells in the $100,000 Kevin Lafferty Hurdle (3600m) at Warrnambool.

Macedonian has finished well back in its first two starts this campaign, but will be better suited over the 2200m should Moody decide to run the stayer at Bendigo.

In-form Bendigo stayer Master's Degree is among the Marong Cup nominations, but is more likely to run over 3000m at Moonee Valley on Friday night.

The Steve Lake-trained four-year-old led all the way over 2500m at Moonee Valley last start

The 3000m won't be any problem for the son of Bianconi.

The Patrick Payne-trained Angelology and Luke Oliver-trained Base are the highest rated horses behind Macedonian in the Marong Cup.

Angelology has been consistent without winning this campaign.

The five-year-old gelding has run second placings at Caulfield and Flemington and was forced to do plenty of work when a close-up fifth at Caulfield last start.

Base, formerly owned by Lloyd Williams, is struggling to find its best form.

The seven-year-old missed two years of racing because of injury and has failed to beat a runner home in three starts for Oliver.

Staying mare Jelly Baby looks set to have her second start for Cranbourne trainer Mick Kent in the Marong Cup.

Jelly Baby won three races under the guidance of Mike Moroney, including back-to-back wins over 2400m at Bendigo in March, 2012.

Other notable entries include Red Thriller, Spanish Vixen and Statute, who have all won their past two starts.

Two-year-old maiden races at Bendigo usually produce some nice horses and the Marong Cup day edition looks to be no different.

David Hayes, Mick Price, Patrick Payne Rick Hore-Lacy, Robbie Griffiths and Anthony Freedman all have well-bred unraced horses entered for the race.

Bendigo trainer Shane Fliedner looks set to debut Eva's Day, a daughter of Domesday.