A record crowd is expected to be in attendance next Saturday for the new race, to be run over 1600m with the Chris Waller-trained Asterius and John Sargeant's mare Luvaluva expected to be among the leading contenders.

ITC chief executive Peter De Vries said staff are working overtime to ensure they can cater for the increased demand, including the establishment of a new entertainment area to be called Little Wollongong.

"Most of our planning is already well in place, but there are always things we can learn," DeVries said.

"So we'll have a director up at Newcastle to see what they've done well and what we can improve upon for The Gong next week.

"The creation of Little Wollongong, which will be setup beyond the stables will add a new element and there's still some tickets available for our bistro area as well, otherwise, there's only general admission tickets left.

"We've increased the capacity considerably."

READ MORE: Illawarra Hawks plan to shut down Sydney Kings star

The Hunter will jump at 4.20pm on Saturday, with Newcastle trainer Kris Lees in contention with four runners, including $3.60 favourite Graff, who ran in last year's The Everest.

Lees has also left the door open for three-time Group 1 winner Le Romain, who is in the field for the 1300m Hunter to back up in next week's The Gong.

Le Romain ran fourth in this year's All Star Mile at Flemington behind Mystic Journey and was ninth in the Group 1 Doncaster.

While Lees is flying the flag for Newcastle, the Illawarra is set to be without a hometrack hope next week, after Gwenda Markwell's Archedemus was spelled and victory eluded Robert and Luke Price's Eugene Pick and Cuban Royale last Saturday at Rosehill.

Top hope Happy Clapper, who had numerous clashes with super horse Winx, is also out after picking up a virus.

Racing NSW launched the new $1 million races in June, in a bid to attract top-line spring carnival talent.

Meanwhile, Kembla Grange will hold an eight-race meeting on Saturday, with the first jumping at 12.55pm.

The rail is out nine metres from the 1100m to the finishing post and six metres for the remainder of the track, so the surface can be in ideal condition for The Gong next week.

While you're with us the Illawarra Mercury is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3 a week. Terms and conditions apply.