Darren McAuliffe is armed with a top line up at Ascot on Saturday but he has given punters a lead by declaring Rebelson the best of his charges.
The Snippetson gelding will tackle the Listed Ascot Gold Cup (1800m) and renew hostilities with the Adam Durrant-trained Son Of Something.
The pair clashed at Northam two weeks ago and created Northam Cup history (1600m) when they fought out an exciting dead-heat.
“In my opinion he is the best of mine,” said McAuliffe on TABradio.
“He has come on in leaps and bounds and they will know they are in a race with him.
“He had to do a lot of work in the Northam Cup and to fight on like he did is credit to the horse.
“The 1800m is his perfect trip.”
At $2.90, Son Of Something holds Tabtouch favouritism. The son of Blackfriars, to be ridden by Peter Hall, has drawn barrier three.
William Pike, who rode Rebelson for the first time in the Northam Cup, retains the ride and starts out wide in gate 11. Rebelson is a $4 chance.
Son of Something will be joined by stable mate Marden in the Ascot Gold Cup.
The Danehill Dancer seven-year-old races second up after a sixth to Bedamijo over 1600m on October 25.
Son Of Something, who is nudging $250,000 in prize money, is chasing a winning hat trick.
“I wouldn’t say he has improved but he has held his form really well,” said Durrant.
“He won four in a row last preparation and you can rely on him.
“I’m quietly confident he is going to be hard to beat.”
Marden, in search of his first win since crossing from Sydney, will start from barrier one for Peter Knuckey.
“Marden is in good nick and stepping up to a more suitable distance,” said Durrant.
“I’m sure he is going to find his place in one of the staying races over the carnival.
“Hopefully he can step up a cog on what he did last preparation.
“He ran some creditable races without figuring in the finish.
“I think he has come back a better horse.
“His first-up run showed positive signs.
“If he doesn’t quite come up in his next run or two we might lower the bar and possibly get him ready for the Narrogin, Albany and Geraldton Cups.”
Chris Gangemi is confident West Africa will be the big improver in the Skyy Vodka Ladies Day November 15 Handicap (1100m).
Another eastern states pickup for the Gangemi stable, West Africa is looking to build on his first-up third to Regency on October 29.
“He loomed up to win but probably needed the run,” said Gangemi.
“It was eight weeks and he had been gelded since his previous run.
“I really think he will come on and has a couple of lengths of improvement.
“He has drawn better than Regency and meets him 1 ½ kg better.
“He will definitely be fitter and be right in the finish.”
Regency, to start from the widest barrier in the field of ten, holds Tabtouch favouritism at $4.60.
The Brent Albuino galloper is aiming to extend his unbeaten sequence to three.
West Africa and Jarrad Noske combine from barrier four.
RWWA: Julio Santarelli