Big Dance could take the country out of the country cups

But he does hope the advent of the big money feature race doesn't make it impossible for country trainers to get runners in the country cups.

Jones has three early hopes he'll set for the 1600-metre race at Randwick on November 1 - Nowra Cup winner She's All In, Bega Cup winner Room Number and the runner-up from the Mudgee Cup, One Aye.

He said they'd all be set for the Big Dance, with each runner's chances of making the final field becoming clearer closer to the race.

They've all had spells since their last run and none will be running at Thoroughbred Park on Friday.

Racing NSW announced the list of 25 country cups that would form the entry path into the $2 million race on Tuesday, with winners given preference over runners-up and then the horse's benchmark rating used to determine who gets in.

Jones was concerned it could force country trainers out of their own cups, pointing to Friday's strong Tamworth Cup field.

He didn't think it would attract group one horses, but wouldn't rule out group three ones from targeting the Big Dance.

"With this announcement it's going to be very hard for a country horse to make it into a country cup," Jones said.

"What's probably started out as a good country announcement, I hope it doesn't backfire on everyone and then all of a sudden the country horses can't make their own cups.

"Because the carrot at the end of the day is so big I think that's going to happen.

"We're in there this year, but will I get any more horses in the following years? She'd have to be a good horse.

"Only time will tell."

MORE CANBERRA SPORT

More pressingly, Jones was waiting to find out whether Super Helpful would get a run in the Highway Handicap (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday.

The three-year-old gelding was the second emergency, meaning he'll need at least two scratchings to get a run.

Otherwise, he'd likely head to Bathurst on Monday - although Wagga Wagga on Sunday was also an option.

Jones also had five runners nominated for Canberra's Thoroughbred Park on Friday, with Mr Aloysius in the Federal (1400m) one of his better hopes.

He'll come up against the Mick Miladinovic-trained Milamoo, who was leading the running for Canberra's horse of the year and was jumping in her third consecutive Federal - winning the first two weeks ago and finishing third last Friday.

Jones also pointed to Clever Choice in the class 2 handicap (1300m) and Delightful Dream in the benchmark 65 handicap (1000m).

"Mr Aloysius is probably back out to a distance that's more suitable," he said.

"Clever Choice is only third emergency, but she was a bit disappointing last start and the jockey came back and said it felt like she got the tongue over the bit.

"We've applied the tongue tie in her trackwork and she really did find another gear.

"Even though she drew wide (barrier 15) we're hopeful she might get in.

"And obviously Delightful Dreams is down in weight, up in grade, but he only just missed the other day and the topweight will be hard to beat, but he'll run a good race as well."

SCORSE'S SAUCE

Former leading jockey John Scorse provides all the tips you need for Canberra's race meet on Friday.

BEST BET: Race 6, No. 9 Essonne

Overcame a slow start and severe interference in the straight to score a dominant win in maiden company, will be improved and has a bright future.

RACE 1

Tips: 1 Washington Towers, 3 Brothers of Antrim, 7 Delightful Dream, 2 Seventh Seal

Washington Towers resumed with strong win here over this distance when he led all the way, has won 2nd up and inside draw and claim suits, handles all conditions. Forgive Brothers of Antrim's last run when he drew awkwardly, previous form is very good for this, race fit and loves this track and distance. Delightful Dream has taken a few runs to reach his top but indicated he is close when unlucky 2nd here last week, the quick backup suits.

RACE 2

Tips: 1 Mercury, 7 Loose Love, 2 Mohahna, 3 Denmiss

Mercury is racing well and deserves to break through, looked the winner in the straight last week and just missed, drawn to get the right run and will go close. Loose Love is racing very well this prep, he was too fierce last week and just tired late, backs up here which will suit, good chance. Mohahna is better for 3 runs this prep and coming back in trip suits, should be on speed throughout.

RACE 3

Tips: 4 Vaaroom, 6 Quattro Pensieri, 10 Media Chick, 3 Little Miss Quinn

Vaaroom was ridden for the lead and boxed on well for 2nd, should be at his peak after 3 runs and with a repeat of last run he can finally break his maiden here. Quattro Pensieri is well bred type who improved at 2nd run when placed, extra distance suits and gets the blinkers on. Media Chick chased hard when placed at Goulburn last run, include in exotics. Little Miss Quinn - watch market on debut.

RACE 4

Tips: 12 Penthouse, 7 Ice on Fire, 2 Marvelous, 8 Orreza

Penthouse hit the line well to be placed on debut at Eagle Farm then a beaten fav at Moruya, taking on older horses here but will be the one to beat. Ice on Fire led and fought on well when resuming as fav, will be fitter and well-drawn here, looks the main danger. Marvelous is resuming and placed 2 from 4 last prep in provincial grade over further, will finish strongly here. Orreza has ability and watch market first up.

RACE 5

Tips: 5 Propose a Toast, 2 Toulon Brook, 8 Crucial Witness, 4 Milamoo

Propose a Toast had a good win 2nd up this prep and should be at his peak now, can lead or take a sit and unbeaten this distance 3 from 3, looks hard to beat in a very open race. Toulon Brook should be ready after 3 runs for new stable, unsuited last run and expect him to get the right run here, could be value. Crucial Witness is a nice mare who chased hard for 2nd when resuming over 1000m, 1st try this trip but has a good 2nd up record and good draw.

RACE 6

Tips: 9 Essonne, 7 Fleur de Rose, 6 Mooshaka, 10 Monte Drifter

Essonne defied a big betting drift and overcame slow start and interference in straight to score a very impressive win, will improve and looks a bright prospect. Fleur de Rose produced a good effort 1st up when shared the lead and run down late, forgive last run where she had no luck, can bounce back here. Mooshaka placed both runs this prep and gets the blinkers on 1st time, don't take lightly.

RACE 7

Tips: 4 Jiggler, 5 Coppersonic, 11 Portnoy, 12 Spellz

Jiggler is a nice type who has impressed at both runs to date, found them too sharp on debut after slow start but won easily 2nd run, extra distance ideal, will win with even luck. Coppersonic comes here at 3rd run in and last 2 runs have been on heavy tracks, should get the right run here. Portnoy is well bred and placed 2 from 3 starts, good effort at first run this prep at Scone, still a maiden but will like the mile.

RACE 8

Tips: 9 Twig, 3 Aerobatic Warrior, 8 Rhythmboat, 4 Beau Rock

Twig has 2 wins and 2 placings from her first 4 runs, resumed with an even effort in strong benchmark 65, will be fitter and well placed in this class 2. 3 Aerobatic Warrior needed the run 1st up and not disgraced when just behind the placings, well drawn and good 2nd up form. Both Rhythmboat runs for new stable have been good, finished off strongly to win at Gundagai, bigger track and extra 100 suits.