Untapped import Berkshire Breeze, the runaway winner of the Banjo Paterson Final, is being readied for a Cups assault in spring and will not contest Saturday's 2800-metre event.
That significantly lessens the degree of difficulty confronting the Stokes-trained Taramansour, who beat home all-bar Berkshire Breeze last time out.
"The horse is going really well and he's been knocking on the door," Stokes said.
"He's holding together well and we were happy with his work on Saturday morning.
"That horse (Berkshire Breeze) looked pretty good, but I'd say he'll be very well-suited next Saturday."
