Today the highlight of thoroughbred racing in Victoria will take place in Ballarat at Dowling Forest racecourse, with the running of the $130 000 Listed Ballarat Cup (2200m).

Current favourite for the race, Mark Kavanagh’s Itstheone at $4.60, will start from the ideal barrier two with Kerrin McEvoy aboard. A win today will be a beautiful end to a sensational spring season for Kavanagh, who took out the coveted Melbourne Cup with the up-and-coming stayer Shocking back on November 3.

Close second favourite at $5, is the legendary Bart Cummings entry Dandaad. Coming off a brave second place in the Geelong Cup on October 21 to Leica Ding, Dandaad stands a good chance today starting from barrier seven and ridden by Chris Symons.

Another star runner is Daryl Cannon‘s Bourbonstreetblues, currently a $6 chance. The in-form stayer has drawn widely with barrier 17 and is aiming for his fifth straight country cup victory.

The 18 horse field has a strong local presence this year, with six horses representing Ballarat stables. The best two chances for the cup to remain in its home-town look to be the Barry James-trained Sylvan O’Reilly ($12) from the outside gate one and Darren Weir’s Oak Heart ($14) with barrier 14.

The Sportsbet.com.au Ballarat Cup is scheduled as race eight at Ballarat today.

Listed Ballarat Cup Final Field & Barrier Draw: