SWAN Hill has not been a happy hunting ground for Aaron Purcell but the Warrnambool-based trainer hopes it will change on Sunday.
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Purcell's consistent galloper Guizot runs in the $125,000 Swan Hill Cup over 1600 metres, the feature race at the three-day carnival.
The six-year-old ran sixth in last year's cup on a track that never suited the import.
"It finished up a bog track last year and he didn't like it that heavy," the group one-winning trainer said.
"He finished less then three lengths from the winner in unsuitable conditions.
"The stable hasn't had much luck at Swan Hill but on the other hand I suppose we haven't had that many runners. Punters just have to forget his last run at Flemington when the race was not run to suit Guizot.
"They have to go on his previous wins at Warrnambool and Caulfield.
"The big, long straight at Swan Hill should really suit him and I'm just hoping there's a bit of pace in the race."
Purcell rates this year's Swan Hill Cup a very even contest.
"It looks a pretty tough race on paper," he said.
"There's numerous chances. I would say it's a tougher race this year than last year.
"The $125,000 on offer is excellent prize-money considering it was a $100,000 last year."
Melbourne-based jockey James Winks has the ride on Guizot.
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