The Strathfieldsaye-based trainer has had countless runners in his hometown cup, but is yet to taste success.

Douglas has had more classier horses in the Cup than his two entrants in tonight’s race – Heza Trick and Saint Flash – but he’s confident both pacers can be in the finish.

“We’ve finished top five a number of times, but never really got close,’’ Douglas said yesterday.

“That’s got to change sooner or later. You’ve got to have runners in the race to win it and we keep putting ourselves up there.

“We just need a bit of luck and if we don’t get it this year we’ll be back again next year.”

Douglas expects Heza Trick to finish in front of stablemate Saint Flash.

“Heza Trick is probably the better of our two, just because he’s more seasoned than Saint Flash,’’ Douglas said.

“Heza Trick ran well in the Horsham Cup last week and he has Gavin Lang driving him.

“He’s more than capable. We’ve drawn well, but we’re not going to speed out of the gates and try and lead on him.

“We’ll take a sit, hopefully there’s a lot of pace on and he’ll be charging home at the finish.”

Saint Flash, the winner of last year’s Nyah Cup, faces a big test from wide on the front row. 

“Saint Flash is probably a year away from really mixing it with these top horses,’’ Douglas said.

“I’m a firm believer that it takes a year of racing against the good ones before you’re really ready to win these type of races.

“The horse is drawn wide, but he’s close to his best and he can run well.”

While Kiwi star Auckland Reactor has been well supported in early betting, Douglas said the Cup was wide open. 

“With Auckland Reactor basically drawing the pole he’ll probably lead, but I dion’t think it’s as clear cut as the market suggests,’’ he said.

“Yes, Auckland Reactor is going well, but horses off the back row like Decorated Jasper and Bellas Delight are going to be put in the race at some point.

“I’m hoping there’ll be plenty of pace on... Auckland Reactor won’t be able to just lead, sit and then sprint.

“In these big races there’s usally plenty of pressure on.”