Steamin' aims to add Bathurst Cup to previous successes at Forbes and Dubbo

Steamin' has been collecting cups across the Central West like they're going out of fashion this preparation and he's out to add another one at Tyers Park on Sunday.

The Lonhro gelding enters the $40,000 Bathurst Cup (1800m) as the top weight, looking to create another magnificent memory for Wellington's Michael and Melissa Mulholland.

He gives up at least three kilos to the rest of the field but given his remarkable record, and the presence of Greg Ryan in the saddle, Steamin' is certain to attract attention in the betting ring come race day.

"Having a bit less weight would help a little bit - he struggles under the weight a little bit - but when you've got Greg Ryan on top you're going to have so much more faith. He's rode him fantastically every time," Melissa Mulholland said.

Steamin' has been the definition of a life changing horse.

READ ALSO:

- Steamin' rises to the top as Ryan's eye is proved right in Gold Cup

- So Good to be among winners as recent form doesn't tell full story

- Cup win highlights Robb-Gallagher double at Enngonia

Having arrived at Mulholland's stables with country cups in mind midway through last year, he's scored three wins and two placings from 14 starts for the Wellington trainer and has consistently been around the money.

With the Mulhollands majority owners it has allowed them to keep their farm thriving.

"We own a big chunk of the horse and he's just bought cattle hay and caught up a lot of our bills," Melissa Mulholland said.

"He's what's keeping our farm alive. He and Butter Toast are what's kept the farm kicking.

"If he keeps holding up, look after him and put him on the right tracks - because of the drought tracks out here are so hard - then he'll stand up for another 12 months at least. He's got no issues."

The Dubbo Cup win from Steamin' was special.

Ryan had gelding sitting 11^th at the top of the straight but when space opened up on the rail he started to power ahead.

While the focus was on a long line of horses fanning out wide Steamin' was busy eating up ground along the rail.

It was a moment of ecstasy for the Mulholland camp but they would prefer a less stressful approach on the Bathurst straight.

"If he can get a bit closer to them rather than sitting back towards last it should help him a bit. This is over 1800 so this is a step up in distance," Mulholland said.

"He likes coming from the back. He's got no gate speed whatsoever.

"We wanted to set the horse in the cup last year but he got scratched at the barriers. We didn't quite have him right last prep but this prep he's been going really well."

This will be the first attempt on the Tyers Park turf for Steamin' and he will contest the feature alongside stablemate Lucky Elixir.

Dubbo Gold Cup runner-up Magic Over The Bay will also be in action for Narromine trainer Wayne Collison.

Magic Over The Bay will gain a weight advantage on Steamin' when compared to the Dubbo edition.

Helstar, another who contested the Dubbo feature, will also race in the Bathurst Cup for Dar Lunn.

The cup is seventh on the card and jumps at 4.53pm.