Maximus Red didn't have much go his way in the recent Group 3 Shirley Turnbull Memorial, where a tough effort saw him finish in 10^th in a milestone event for the hugely successful gelding.

But he'll be among the classier contenders in his 101^st career start in the Parkes Cup.

His top rating means Maximus Red will be forced to start widest on the back row.

An unfortunate start in the Shirley Turnbull Memorial saw Maximus Red caught three wide early, something Turnbull will certainly hope to avoid in the driver's seat again.

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He fought hard despite the setback and the trainer said people shouldn't read too much into his 10^th placing in the feature event at Bathurst.

"This is a much easier field, and his run wasn't that bad in mum's race. He got caught wide and had to go back to last but he was still able to come home. We're happy with him going into this one," Turnbull said.

"Those sort of runs don't bother him now. He's pulled up good."

Maximus Red has won $191,000 in prizemoney from his 100 starts, with his biggest wins coming back in his two and three-year-old seasons.

But even though he's never quite reached those dizzying highs again Maximus Red has never been one to shy away from a challenge in recent times.

"He's been a nice horse all the way through. He's done a really great job to make $190,000. He's never been a horse you've had to do much with, either. He's a lovely old horse," Turnbull added.

Maximus Red has some solid competition alongside him on the back row through Scarlet Babe (Bernie Hewitt), Our Antonio Rose (Stan Townsend), Sams Express (John O'Shea) and Uncle Jord (Chris Frisby).

Turnbull has two hopes in the feature event, with Mitch Turnbull to drive Myra Dawn from widest out in the front row.

Myra Dawn most recently finished second in the Group 3 Red Ochre Fillies and Mares Classic at Dubbo.

Michael Carroll, John Lew, and Brad Peisley will fly the flag for Dubbo at the nine-race meeting.

Carroll and Lew have Terror To Rock and All Spruced Up respectively in the Medlyn's/Castol Gig Pace (2040m) while Peisley will have Bradness Abuela and Sporty in action.

Racing starts 6.11pm.