Part-owner Faye Cairncross lost her daughter-in-law to breast cancer earlier in the week and Smith said a win would put a small smile on the face of Cairncross and her partner, fellow part-owner Bill Gray.

A consistent performer, Cageydane has won three races and been placed a further six times from 25 starts and will get the services of jockey Greg Ryan for today’s event.

After drawing barrier eight in the 12-horse field, the five-year-old is likely to start as one of the favourites on the first race of a big Derby Day program.

“If he runs like he has been he will go well,” Smith said.

“Bill and Fay have had a bit of fun with him and after Fay’s daughter-in-law died of breast cancer this week it would be good to get a result with him.”

At its most recent start, Cageydane finished third behind Toranaga in a 1700m event at Wellington.

Coming back to 1600m holds no fears for Smith, who ideally would like to step the gelding up in distance this campaign.

She said the performance at Wellington was strong enough to suggest Cageydane will run well today.

“He has been racing well and he has matured a lot although he has been a problem in the mounting yard at times,” Smith said.