Both Bob Milligan with three-year-old filly Another Valley and Cliff Bashford with four-year-old gelding Ever So Natural couldn't be happier with the condition and progress of their gallopers.

Milligan said: "She has done good, no problems", whereas Bashford's comment was "I couldn't get him any better - there will be no excuses."

Another Valley, drawn nicely in six and to be steered by regular rider Grant Buckley, has won four races and been placed three times from 10 starts, it showing by its runs in finishing on from the back that the distance will suit.

Ever So Natural drew barrier 16 but with emergencies should come into 11 and a plus is the engagement of Hall Of Fame jockey, Damien Oliver from Melbourne, Bashford saying he wanted a strong right-handed whip rider as his gelding tends to lay in on occasions.

The galloper goes into the final after three wins and five placings from 13 starts with Bashford ruing the breakdown of his other previous contender, Ocean Grand, which he feels was his better hope.

He intends to set Ocean Grand for next year's final as the four-year-old gelding has had only nine starts for three wins, two of them in the city.

Milligan will leave Saturday's proceedings to his son, Glen and stable foreman Scott Wendell, as he is staying home.

"It will be a thrill if we can get in the money as she has done everything right,'' he said.

"They are all a danger and it will be a case of luck in running."

Bashford is hoping the promised good weather will dry out the track but he admits to having been more excited before the $100,000 Qualifier at Taree on February 28.

"If we can get into the skinny prizemoney we can come home with enough money for a drink,'' he said.

"I think my horse and Bob's are about the same in ability."

A big crowd is expected at Bushland Drive Racecourse tomorrow to cheer home the area's runners while they enjoy a seven-race TAB card.

Taree trainer Wayne Wilkes also has three-year-old filly Shotgun Roulette, to be ridden by Winona Costin, running in the $200,000 TAB Adrian Knox Stakes (Gr 3) over 2000m and she hopes to tackle the $1 million Australian Oaks (Gr 1) over 2400m on the second day of the Championships, Saturday, April 9.

He reported that the filly has come ahead in leaps and bounds and is confident she will acquit herself well.