“I made a plan and I’ve worked him appropriately, I believe,” Brunton said.

“I’ve either flattened him or got him rock-hard fit for the day.

“Depending on how he performs, I’ll accept the credit or the blame.

“The Hobart Cup was his main goal but I believe he’s good enough to compete again.”

Count Da Vinci, the second favourite behind Victorian visitor Big Duke, is chasing a first prize of $120,000 plus a $100,000 bonus for completing the cups double.

Brunton’s father, David, took out the bonus last year with Up Cups.

Count Da Vinci has drawn the outside barrier in a field of 14 but Scott Brunton is not concerned.

“I’m fine with the draw,” he said.

“My other horse Gladstone is also drawn wide and will go forward to either lead or sit outside the leader.

“Count Da Vinci is very quick out of the barriers and will come across with him.

“I expect him to settle in the first four.

“My jockeys will be committed to where they want to be early and will keep rolling forward until they get there.

“The others will need to be going quick to hold them out.”

Brunton’s only concern with Count Da Vinci is the 3.5 kilogram penalty he incurred for winning the Hobart Cup.

“They penalised Big Duke 1.5kg for running second – I think it would have been fairer if my horse had got a 2.5kg penalty and Big Duke had got nothing,” the trainer said.