The jockey-sized Quirindi trainer believes Valatia is a “competitive” chance to win Thompson his first Gunnedah Gold Cup.

Thompson is in form too, having won the Pryde’s EasiFeed Noel Leckie Country Cup at Scone earlier this month.

Valatia is backing up from a good third in last Thursday’s Somerton Cup to Cervinia and Torquay, beaten just over two lengths.

“He pulled up good,” Scott Thompson said of his six-year-old gelding son of Valixir. He’s been going real well.”

He followed a third in a benchmark 65 over 1500m at Muswellbrook with a good second to Sayed at Newcastle over 1850m on April 29 before last week’s third at Gunnedah.

He carried 61kg in that Somerton Cup and found the line well to be beaten just over two lengths.

“I might have backed off him a little too much before that race,” he said of the Somerton Cup. But he will benefit from that run and also a drop in weight. He’ll be competitive.”

Scott has seven horses in work at Quirindi and has a lot of time for Valatia who has won four of his 27 starts and more than $87,000 in prizemoney.

“He’s a lovely old bloke to train,” he said. “Should have won one this preparation. Just haven’t been able to find the right race for him.”

Gunnedah Jockey Club secretary manager Mark Storey said the cup attracted 33 nominations, one of the biggest demands for the race in years.

“That’s an incredible response,” Storey said.

“It shows the level of support for fair and even qualities that our Gunnedah track offers. That’s its reputation.”

The Wall of Legends will unveiled at Riverside on Sunday to celebrate 150 years of racing in Gunnedah.

A photographic display honouring both equine and human stars in local racing.

There is fashions in the field, $1000 lucky door prize and kids entertainment including pony rides. Free shuttle bus service to the track starts 12.30pm.