More than 10,000 racegoers normally attend the annual race meeting at Victoria's most picturesque racecourse, at the foot of the Grampians.

But this year, the coronavirus pandemic means a small number of owners will be in attendance under strict protocol rules put in place by Racing Victoria and the state government.

Blackwell, who is in his eighth year as president, said it was disappointing that a big crowd would not be in attendance and local community groups would miss out on a financial boost.

But he said the club was fortunate to still have the race day.

"The virus has had a massive impact on so many people and events and it will have a big impact on the community of Dunkeld," he said. "Dunkeld Cup day brings a six-figure income to local sporting clubs, schools and charities.

"The event is a massive fundraiser for local groups. They're all going to miss out this year, but there's nothing we can do about it.

"We'll still be racing, which is a great result.

"It's going to be weird to run a race day at Dunkeld with only a handful of owners and the necessary staff which includes stewards, jockeys and trainers to enjoy the magnificent views of the Grampians.

"We're not the only event that has been cancelled because of the virus, but it hits hard when you see how much the tiny community of Dunkeld gets out of the races and this year they will get nothing."

The club will start work within the next fortnight, making alterations and additions to ensure all people on course will be distanced for next month's meeting.

"We've got to do a bit of work getting things ready for the race day," Blackwell said.

"The existing stewards room is not big enough and neither is the scales area or jockeys room. We'll be putting in portable infrastructure so we follow the strict protocols that are in place."

Owners must pre-register with the club before cup day, providing details for contact tracing. A time limit on attendance at the race meeting means owners will be required to depart the racecourse after the race in which their runner is engaged.

There will be a strict segregation of owners from racing participants.

Owner access to racing operations areas, including the mounting yard and stabling area, will be prohibited and no crossover will be permitted between the two halves of the racecourse.

The ongoing impact from the virus is a worry for Edward Blackwell and the Dunkeld committee.

"We've said there will only be a handful of owners on course this year, but I'm starting to think about 2021," he said.

"We're not sure if we'll ever get big crowds back for cup day.

"Crowds of over 10,000 patrons may be a thing of the past.

"No one knows what happens in the future regarding the virus.

"We've got our fingers crossed the crowds will be allowed to return in the future, but it's all out of our hands.

"We're lucky our race day is on the bucket list of lots of people around Australia. We just hope they can come back."

The $45,000 Dunkeld Cup will be run on Saturday, November 14.

NEW Zealand-bred galloper Dragon Storm is the latest horse to earn a guaranteed start in the Jericho Cup, to be run at Warrnambool on November 29.

Dragon Storm won a 3000 metre flat race at Riccarton on Saturday, thus earning a golden ticket into the rich Jericho Cup.

South Australian-trained Matas earnt her spot by winning a 3340 metre flat race at Gawler on Friday.

This year marks the third of a four-year commitment from passionate Melbourne racing fan and philanthropist Bill Gibbins to honour Australia's light horsemen and their mounts through the $300,000 race (over 4600 metres).

Gibbins said he was confident Master Fin and Dragon Storm would make the trip to Warrnambool for the flat marathon.

"We receive wonderful support from New Zealand Bloodstock Air Freight," he said.

"I'm pretty sure the two Kiwi runners will make the trip due to the courtesy of them.

"Their inclusion adds another dimension to what has developed into a great race and event.

"I would say there will only be a limited amount of owners that will be allowed on course, which is a shame.

"But we're holding out to what Racing Victoria and the government have to say about the matter in the future."

Horses can still earn points for this year's Jericho Cup in races over 3000 metres or more before the race day on November 29.

The last two guaranteed start races are to be run at Moonee Valley over 3800 metres on November 13 and 3400 metres at Canberra on November 15.

Winners will receive a golden ticket into the Jericho race.

Tempest Charm put the writing on the wall for an upcoming victory with a third placing at her debut at Moonee Valley.

She looks to have a bright future, going on that performance.