Instead he's just hoping the highly-strung horse he bred and owns with wife Judith can put in another strong showing after missing the top four just once in eight starts this season.

"He's a bit hot headed and you've got to be careful not to hunt him up too early or he will switch off," Rutland said.

"He's not very brave but hopefully he is thereabouts.

"We will just take it as he comes and if he can win a cheque then I'll be happy."

Rutland will be at the reins of the four-year-old in the Sky Active Pace (1740m).

Drawn gate one, the same starting point as his last start second, the Wagga horseman is hoping to go one better.

Only a short half head denied Mustang Cruiser victory two starts back and all six of his placings from his 15 career starts have come since February.

Rutland also has Ace In Our Pocket engaged across the eight-race card.

She has won two of her last five starts but once more the confidence levels aren't too high.

"I've been trying to drive her consistent and very patient as she is just lacking that little bit of ability," he said.

"She can sprint but has to be off the pace.

"The five probably isn't a good draw for her, as she is probably better off in or on the second line, as horses with limited ability only have one sprint and you can't use it at the start if you want it at the end.

"You have to poke along and drive for luck."

However he is concerned of the longer gap between races, believing she performs better with more regular racing which has been hard to find due to coronavirus restrictions.

The horses also provide something so important to the Rutland family as wife Judith battles cancer.

A great distraction.

While some days are better than others the health battle hasn't quelled her passion for the sport.

"Her and Bruce (Harpley, her brother) are fanatical on horses," Rutland said.

"I really like them but both of them are fanatical and talk on the phone every day."

The first of eight races starts at 5.05pm.

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