While the inaugural running of the event was labelled a big success, the primary criticism was the lack of Kembla horses on display.

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A number of options were floated, including a provincial-only race or reserving one slot in the $1 million feature for a local trainer.

The program for the day, however, reveals very few changes have been made. Included is a Highway Handicap, a race solely for country trainers.

Luke Price said it was disappointing to see provincial trainers miss out on an opportunity to shine on the big stage.

"We have The Gong, which is great, but it's just filled with Chris Waller and Godolphin horses," Price said. "We haven't got that quality of horse, so I'd like something to make it a fairer playing field.

"The country trainers have the Kosciuszko, surely they can put their heads together and give the provincials something.

"That race is so successful, why can't they do one for the provincial trainers in the same vision, the same way."

Theresa Bateup supported Price's comments, the trainer hopeful a new race can be set up to spotlight provincial horses.

"A provincial race would have been nice," Bateup said. "We just keep getting forgotten about. There's a good new series at Wyong, but it was all done very late.

"There's all this talk about the Kosciuszko, which is a great concept, but it means nothing for us. We can't be involved and we don't have horses good enough for the Everest."

Illawarra Turf Club chief executive Peter De Vries confirmed his organisation made a request for greater opportunities for the locals.

Ultimately, however, the final race list was determined by Racing NSW.

"We did mention it to them on a number of occasions," De Vries said. "As far as the program is concerned, we can make suggestions but it's in the hands of Racing NSW.

"It is the metropolitan meeting on the day, so they need to keep that level of racing up."

A number of stables are gearing up for a tilt at The Gong, with former Kembla trainer David Vandyke preparing Alligator Blood for a trip south while Mark Newnham will look to go one better with last year's runner up Quackerjack.

A small number of local horses are in the mix, Kerry Parker considering extending Think It Over's campaign to the race. Brett Lazzarini is also eyeing the event for four-year-old Wild Chap.

"He'll probably head for it," Lazzarini said. "He'll have a few weeks in the paddock after he runs on Friday and then he'll be targeted for it.

"We'll have to win a couple of races in the city, pick up enough money to make the field."