Wagga punter Mark McKenzie admits the nerves have begun to hit ahead of Saturday's $1.3 million The Kosciuszko.
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McKenzie will be carrying the hopes of the region in the country feature race on Everest day after drawing a slot in the million dollar sprint.
McKenzie will be represented by Queanbeyan sprinter Noble Boy, who is $4.80 second favourite for the event.
Under the new conditions of the race, the slot holder is entitled to a minimum of 40 per cent of the prizemoney meaning a Noble Boy victory could deliver McKenzie a $250,000 windfall.
McKenzie, who is already in Sydney, had remained remarkably cool early in the journey but admits the nerves are starting to hit.
"I'm starting to get a bit agitated now," McKenzie said.
"I'm just enjoying the ride. Todd (Blowes) is really happy with the horse and he's as good as he can have him.
"He did his last piece of work on Tuesday morning, breezed through it and pulled up fine.
"It's all systems go now."
Hugh Bowman will take the ride on Noble Boy from barrier four.
"He's drawn a good gate and Todd's rapt with that," he said.
"Barrier one or two wasn't going to suit because he's not real quick out so being in barrier four Bowman has a choice."
McKenzie has to arrive on course by 9am on Saturday to feature in a television interview on Sky Racing, then the race runs at 2.50pm.
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