Nathan's Courage will only have the one rival on debut in a heat of the Breeders Crown at Gloucester Park on Monday, but for trainer Michael Brennan it will still be a special day.
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Named in honour of late jockey Nathan Berry and part-owned by his twin brother, Tommy, the two-year-old will race in the 4tracks4kids colours and carry a lot of support from around the world.
"He is a bit above average and I think it's a great way to remember a great bloke," Brennan said. "The Berry boys came over here during EI [equine influenza] and Nathan spent time with my sister-in-law Kellie Grantham [who is a trainer] and we became good mates.
"This is one way we can keep his memory going and we are very proud he is racing in those colours."
The Berrys were often seen at Menangle when Brennan made trips to Sydney and it was Brennan's wife, Lara, and Grantham who encouraged Tommy Berry to buy a share in Nathan's Courage.
"I think him being a son of Courage Under Fire is perfect in terms of Nathan," Brennan said. "What happened was I brought him at the ready to run sales in Sydney with another horse.
"The girls took Tommy out for lunch when he came over here to ride in one of the big days and they came home and had sold him a share. There is going to be plenty of money going to the charity and if he can live up to his ability.
"We will get through Monday and then decide if we go to Melbourne for the finals. I know Tommy is excited about the horse and he is always asking us for photos and how he is going."
Meanwhile, the extra set of regional finals in the Breeders Challenge series will be held at Bathurst on Sunday.
