And if he can't win the $25,000-to-the-winner Casino Cup (484 metres), Davidson hopes another of the Hunter-trained Aston dogs can take it out.

Davidson made the trip last week with Martins Creek trainer Geoff Grimwood and his bitch Aston Zodiac, while Richmond Vale trainer Jason Mackay took Aston Lee.

All three won their heat and will line up as top chances in the group 3 race. Aston Lee was the $4 TAB favourite from box six, while Aston Tatum ($10) has three and Aston Zodiac ($4.20) four.

Davidson said Aston Tatum had thrived since the heats and handled the travel but she was in a tough race.

"It's a tricky little track," Davidson said. "You can't miss the start and if you're on the inside and they are coming across, it's tough.

"It's probably a tough draw but she can get out all right. She steps good but she does step a bit to the right so we'll have to step in front of Geoff's, which is a good beginner.

"There's not much separating them so I think whoever is in front in that first 20 or 30 metres will win it. There's probably only two lengths between them all.

"It's a bit of a lottery because it's just like a big circle up there. There's not really a straight, so if you're not on the leader's tail, it's very hard to run them down there."

The Gardens has a 12-race program starting at 11.52am.