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By Graeme White

Epaullo Creed falls a long way short of the great tearaway leaders – think of Vo Rogue and recently Pride Of Jenni – but one thing he does have is heart and enough of it to ensure the Cootamundra Cup is a race to remember.

The historic race has been run for more than 120 years and on Sunday another will add its name to the impressive honour list.

Epaullo Creed ($7 NSW TAB) has been a dream come true for his owners earning over $180,000 from his nine wins, ten seconds and six thirds in 48 starts.

For most of his recent racing he has been ridden by apprentice jockey Ryan Bradley whose parents are part-owners of the eight-year-old.

Trainer Nick Olive

Jockey Billy Owen goes on board on Sunday for the first time.

Trainer Nick Olive won at his first start with the gelding at Young - he is the third trainer for Epaullo Creed and has won eight times with him.

“He has been great for all of us and has just kept getting better with age,” Olive said.

“He likes to get out in front and bowl along, but in saying that he doesn’t have to be in front."

Epaullo Creed – named after the character who fought Rocky Balboa in the famous movie series – has raced ten times this preparation for two wins.

He has won up to 1400 metres and is having his first start at the mile on Sunday.

Given his racing tactics, Olive wants to see Epaullo Creed run his usual race despite the extra journey.

“That’s his style running along where he is comfortable and Billy knows what he is capable of,” Olive said.

Last year’s runner-up County Kilkenny ($4.20) is well placed at his best and is proven at 1600 metres with two wins.

The six-year-old was third in the Forbes Cup last month over a mile with jockey Matthew Cahill aboard.

“He is really well and he will be running on strongly at the finish like he always does,” trainer Tim Donnelly said.

Another of the chances, Laurel Hill has been luckless in some of her recent starts and is rated a $7 chance on the NSW TAB.

The favourite is Due Calzini ($3.20) who has drawn the inside barrier and is in peak form.

The gelding has won three of his past four starts and is coming off a last start win over 2500 metres several weeks ago.

All the fields, form and replays for Sunday's Cootamundra meeting