Smith said he hoped this year would be his breakthrough in the cup, with two of his horses hoping to go the 2000m journey and take the $6500 first prize.

With Deejay Brahms, Smith said he was more confident than he's ever been of winning the race he began as a fundraiser for his stable several years ago.

``He's set for this, he's had three runs to get him ready...it's the race I'd really like to see him win,'' he said.

``To be truthful it's a tough race to win with a pretty competitive field. It'd be the dream if he could cross the line first.''

Deejay Brahms has failed in his bid to win a race since the Coral Sea Cup in 2007, but that hasn't stopped Smith from having full confidence in the six-year-old.

``He's a proven stayer and he's had a good preparation for this race so I'm hoping that he can get us the cup this year,'' Smith said.

``[Deejay Brahms] is a wonderful horse and he'll chase from behind...he won't be out of it until the end.''

Star Hawk is a second entry for Smith, who said he believed the two-pronged approach would bode well for his chances, but admitted Monday's race would be about more than just winning.

``It's the dream [to win], but it's not earth shattering if we don't,'' he said.

``It'd be lovely, but there is more to it from our point of view, the day is about raising money for the club''

The trainer described the financial difficulty of running the club and said races such as this were pivotal for a club's sustainability.

``The event is a great way for us to significantly increase our revenue,'' Smith said.

``Winning would be a great bonus, [as trainers] we all have a good time and we make it a great day...but when it comes down to it, we just want to help the club however we can.''

Smith conceded it would be difficult this year with the race being run on a Monday.

``We normally have the race on a Friday, but with this year being on a Monday it does make it harder to draw a strong crowd,'' he explained.

``After Melbourne Cup day everyone's hip pocket is a bit lighter, but there are only 20 race days in Queanbeyan a year and we wanted it around this time of the year.''