Zipping Vernon made the final with a third in heats last week. Kennelmate Aston Sapporo was also third and was first reserve for the decider. Davidson rued a poor draw in seven for Zipping Vernon in the final.

"He's going well but there's a lot of speed drawn underneath him," Davidson said.

"That was his first look down there last week so there should a little bit of improvement in him, but we probably need the three [Zulu Warlord], four [Fire On Ice] and five [Fire Legend] to be jamming in the first turn and he might get to fly around them.

"It's going to be a tough ask from that draw."

Davidson was en route to Albion Park on Thursday to race Let's See in the $110,000 Gold Cup Final. She was unplaced behind Sir Truculent.

At The Gardens on Friday, all eyes will be on the clock when John Miles-trained Blue Bronte races in the ninth. The track specialist has won her past eight starts and 11 of her last 12, all at The Gardens, and she should again challenge the 400m track record.

A winner of 32 races from 40 career starts, Blue Bronte has run 22.40 seconds or quicker at her past five attempts at the 400m. Hunter Hummer hold the record of 22.32, set in 2014.

Kennelmate Laurie's Flyer, The Gardens track record-holder over 272m (15.13), stretched his winning streak to nine at Gosford on Tuesday.