Now in its 17^th year, the four-month tour will visit dozens of rural and regional destinations around the country and is starting in Tasmania for the first time.

Its aim, according to organisers, is "to unite communities by engaging councils, schools, hospitals, aged-care homes and racing groups in events to raise funds for local causes."

Devonport will host the opening function of the 2019 tour on Thursday, July 4, and it will have a strong local flavour highlighting the deeds of star filly Mystic Journey.

Mystic Journey's owner Wayne Roser and trainer Adam Trinder will attend a breakfast from 7am to 9am at the Devonport Racing Club and the filly's trophy for winning the $5 million All-Star Mile at Flemington in March will be on display.

Patrons can see a piece of history as the late Ray Trinder's family will also be bringing Piping Lane's 1972 Melbourne Cup trophy.

There will be guest speakers, a sweep on Colin McNiff's phantom call of his best Melbourne Cup winners and door prizes. Admission is $15 (free to DRC members).

The tour then moves to Latrobe Primary School from 10.50am to 11.30am.

Later in the day, there is an afternoon tea at Armidale Stud, where triple cups winner Eastender is spelling, before a cocktail party at the Tasmanian Turf Club from 6.15pm to 8.15pm.

Hobart gets its turn on Friday, July 5, when the Tasmanian Racing Club hosts a luncheon from noon to 2pm at the Boathouse Restaurant in New Town where there will be similar activities and displays to Devonport the previous day.

For the first time in many years, two Tasmanian horses will be entered for the 2019 Melbourne Cup but only Eastender is likely to head down that path.

Mystic Journey's main target is the Cox Plate, with Adam Trinder suggesting the Melbourne Cup in 2020 is a more realistic option for the filly who by then will be a five-year-old.

Tasmanian pacer Ignatius ran third from a wide draw in his semi-final of the NSW Breeders Challenge at Menangle on Saturday night.

The James Rattray-trained four-year-old worked three wide to the death before going down by 3.7m in 1:50.7.

Todd Rattray, whose wife Lyrae races Ignatius, said his brother was satisfied with the horse's performance.

"He went good but probably worked a bit too hard when they're running that sort of time," Rattray said. "He pulled up ok so hopefully he'll be right for the final."