For the first time in more than 40 years, there will be no Bede Murray at this year’s Wagga Gold Cup carnival after his passing in March.

The legendary trainer made the Wagga carnival his own over four decades and only once returned home without a winner.

Paul Murray will continue his father’s tradition and has a big team engaged for the two days and hopes to land a winner in honour of Bede.

“This carnival’s for the old man,” Paul said.

“It’s all dedicated to him, this one. I’m doing it for him this carnival.”

Leading the Murray contingent is Sure And Fast and Count Dekroner in the $100,000 Wagga Town Plate (1200m).

Sure And Fast won the 2015 Provincial Championships at Randwick and is the $3.50 favourite with Tye Angland in the saddle.

Count Dekroner won the Prelude and is a $9.50 chance.

Murray acknowledged Sure And Fast, who was banned for three months after bleeding at the end of last preparation, is his best chance.

“Sure And Fast is untrialled, I only galloped him in front of stewards to get him passed,” he explained.

“He seems to have come back pretty good.

“I can’t knock the other horse, Count Dekroner, he’s on the way up and has done nothing wrong.

“He’s a tough frontrunner who loves the track as well. He’s rock hard fit and always runs his best third up.”

Murray has 13 horses in over the two days.