Danny Dwyer's runner is looking to add to the victory he picked up earlier this preparation when he goes out from six wide in the Lion Nathan Pace (2,260 metres).

He came close to achieving that over his past two performances at this same grade.

The pair of placings gives Dwyer confidence Panther Star can be in the mix for what looks like a very open affair.

"He seems to be more competitive in the up to 55 grade but when he goes beyond that, to 60 and 65, it gets a little too strong for him so we've been spacing his runs to enable him to race in these," he said.

"I looked at the form for this race and it does look open over the 2,200m."

Dwyer expects inside starters Lavros Midas Touch and Kalypso King to lead out the field.

"The one and the two will both be fairly keen to lead. That should make it a genuinely run race which should hopefully get the backmarkers into the race at some stage," Dwyer said.

"The three and four, Dinosaurus Rex and Mister Mysterious, both have good form. They've won two of their last three but are getting up a bit in grade.

"Then there's a horse like Williewa Lightning who had great form prior to his last race but he was out of his grade there. He was impressive before that with his win and a second.

"Standandeliver on the back row will work himself into the race when he needs to. I'd say there's a good four to five chances, easily, in the race, if not more."

Panther Star's driver Doug Hewitt will almost certainly stay clear of that speed battle due to the pace inside of him.

"I don't mind if he's on the inside or the outside. Hopefully he can get himself into the race if he's good enough," Dwyer said.

"Admittedly, 2,200m isn't his best distance, but hopefully he can put in a good race. As long as he's running on then that's the main thing."

Dubbo's Tom Pay will drive Allegretto for trainer Ashlee Grives in the race, which is the the third of the night and sets off at 6.07pm.