Bobbing, one of three Scone-trained chances in the Everest day race for country horses, drew gate six of 14 on Wednesday. The Brett Cavanough-trained Star Boy drew 14 and Paul Messara's Luna Mia gained gate two.

Kelly's six-year-old gelding is one of the most interesting runners in the event.

First-up in the Kosciuszko after three trials, Bobbing last raced on May 4 when sixth on the Kensington track. A start earlier, he gave Kelly his greatest victory when claiming the $500,000 Provincial Championship Final (1400m) at Randwick.

Kelly has since moved from Hawkesbury to Scone, making Bobbing eligible for the Kosciuszko. At $15, Bobbing was the Hunter's best hope in the TAB market.

"Naturally we'll get back, and probably he's not renowned as a 1200-metre horse," Kelly said. "So we've gone first-up and set him specifically for the race. We're trying to keep enough speed in his legs to run a pretty forward race for the 1200.

"He'll run good but we would have liked to see a bit of bang out of the track. With the forecast, it looks like it will be firm, but in saying that, he could be the wildcard in the race.

"It's just a matter of having the right luck on the day. You just never know. He could come down the outside and be the last one standing."

Bobbing was third to Everest runners Redzel and In Her Time in his most recent trial at Gosford and Kelly said it was encouraging.

"He did enough to suggest that he should run a pretty forward race," he said.

"Im happy with him. I think I've got him where I want him. I'm sure I've got enough miles in his legs without overdoing it and making him dour."