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By Mark Brassel

There'll be an overflow of emotion should $11 chance Valiant capture Saturday's opening race at Royal Randwick, the $100,000 TAB Highway Plate (1000m).

Chris Caserta

Valiant is prepared at Murwillumbah by Steve Wise whose son-in-law was talented jockey Chris Caserta who was partner to Brittany Wise.

Mr Caserta, 26, disappeared during a swim at Surfers Paradise and his body was found offshore of a Gold Coast beach last week following a widespread air, land and sea search for the popular young rider.

Valiant, the topweight tomorrow, won his first two starts for the Wise stable before being out for a year and has since reached peak fitness following two runs back from the long break.

"We made the 10-hour drive from Murwillumbah to Sydney and arrived safe and sound ready to give Valiant every chance to honour Chris with a win in the city," Steve Wise said.

"I would like to dedicate the run to Chris as he was a big part in getting this horse right to run tomorrow. Chris was going to be riding him.

"I was informed this morning at the track at Randwick that there will be a gathering to honour Chris on Tuesday (14th January at 5pm) at Coogee Beach, with all racing people that knew him.

"We have had a few minor issues with Valiant with his last two starts in Brisbane and working together with Chris, we have got him back and ready to go.

"Chris galloped him last Tuesday the day before we lost him and he came back in and said to me: 'You have got your machine back - that's the first time I really felt how good his motor is!' Chris declared.

"So here we are, and for all involved with our stable, we will be hoping and praying we can get our first city winner in honour of Chris!"