Cunningham, who prepares a team of 16 after relocating from Grafton about 18 months ago, saddles up Carry Me Gee Gee, Hula Girl and Our Minaan in the $16000 Cup (1400m).

Carry Me Gee Gee is back to defend the title he won 12 months ago, although Cunningham admitted his chances were not helped when lady luck did not smile at the barrier draw.

"He hasn't won a race since the Cup last year, but I have been pleased with the way he has been going," Cunningham said.

"I thought his run (when fourth) in the Inverell Cup was full of merit, but drawing 14 (of 15) forces the hand.

"He's a get-back run on horse, so we'll have to take our chances although he's the type of horse who appreciates a good, solid speed."

Allan Chau will ride Carry Me Gee Gee, with Matthew Paget aboard Hula Girl and Terry Treichel partnering Our Minaan.

Hula Girl (two) and Our Minaan (one) are drawn to make their own luck.

"Hula Girl dropping back from a mile at Inverell to the 1400 here," he said.

"Our Minaan got too far back in a slowly run race at Tamworth last time out.”

Cunningham added a third straight win would mean 'a great deal' on what is a showpiece meeting for the town with full-TAB coverage.

"It is always a big day for Glen Innes," he said.

"I've won the Cup the past two years and I'm not too sure if any trainer has ever won it three years in a row."