Star's tough interstate assignment

EARLY The Eureka favourite, Bay Of Biscay, will have his preparation for the slot race ramped up this weekend.

Kept fresh since scoring in Melton on June 28, in what was his first outing since his Chariots Of Fire success last March, Bay Of Biscay will compete against open class rivals at Club Menangle on Saturday night.

Trainer Emma Stewart elected to send the son of Somebeachsomewhere north given the $2.1million The Eureka is scheduled to be staged at the world class venue on September 6.

Bay Of Biscay's pending assignment will also be over 2300 metres - the same trip as The Eureka.

In what shapes as a massive test, Bay Of Biscay rivals include three finalists from the recent Brisbane Inter Dominion Final as well as quality four-year-old, Kingman, which was super impressive winning by 34 metres in 1:52.1 over 2300 metres last week.

"He certainly has a task set out for him," Stewart said. "He is up against a very strong field and the draw hasn't helped either."

To be driven by Cameron Hart, Bay Of Biscay is the widest drawn runner in barrier 10, while Kingman will begin from gate four.

"We knew he was going to draw poorly given the conditions of the race, but that doesn't make it any easier," Stewart said. "As far as the horse is concerned, he is in great shape and is ready to run a big race.

"Now we'll just have to see how it unfolds on the night."