Elder was set to miss the drive on Bright Energy after news on Friday that Melbourne airport was deemed a COVID exposure site. He had been through the terminal on Sunday after attending sales and was set to be stood down by Harness Racing NSW pending a negative test.

Elder rushed to Sydney to be tested on Friday and the result came back on Saturday afternoon, less than an hour before an extended deadline stewards had given Bright Energy's owner-breeder Michael Elder, Brad's uncle, to name a driver for that night.

Michael said Brad had earned the drive on Bright Energy in the Newcastle Mile.

"I've already committed to him. He's a great little driver," he said on Sunday.

"He stood himself down from driving Friday night, drove all the way down to Royal Prince Alfred to get a COVID test, and he only got the all-clear just after two o'clock yesterday to drive last night, so that's how committed he is to the horse. He didn't want anyone else on him."

Brad believed Bright Energy needed a win on Saturday night to make the Mile field and he gave the six-year-old a gun drive to do just that.

Elder sat Bright Energy patiently behind a three-way war for the lead that favourite Cash N Flow won with a flying 25.3 first quarter.

Bright Energy settled four back on the pegs then made the most of an inside run in the straight to catch Double Encounter by a head in 1:51:3.

Nominations for the Mile close on Monday morning and a barrier draw will be held Tuesday. Michael believed his Belinda McCarthy-trained star had done enough to be in the race after the "excellent win".

"You would think he will get a start, after his run last night, and his runs in Brisbane were really good," he said. "You wouldn't think they could overlook him over some of the other runners."

Meanwhile, Sydney-based Hunter driver Jack Callaghan is set to steer Mafuta Vautin in the Mile, fresh of an equal-best night at Newcastle.

Last Friday night, Callaghan drove five winners at the track - a feat he achieved once before at a Monday meeting. He won with Sky Diamond, Hidden Delight (Mark Callaghan), Mongolian Cavalry (Belinda McCarthy), Tippitinya (Peter Russo) and Couldntbetold (Sarah Rushbrook).

He returns this Friday night to drive Mafuta Vautin, if he makes the field, which Callaghan believed he would. Mafuta Vautin and Bright Energy are set to be the only entries from the powerful McCarthy stable.

Central Coast trainer Roy Roots jnr was poised to enter The Black Prince and Pitch Perfect, while Queenslander Turn It Up is another likely nomination.

Superstar Lochinvar Art appears on course for the Mile after Victorian trainer-driver David Moran reportedly made an early move with his team on Friday to beat border closures announced that day.