The reasons were many and varied. For some, it was simply the opportunity to share in $1.3 million prize money.

For Warilla's Brenda Gent and her family, the decision to get involved held a lot more meaning.

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The 67-year-old wanted to honour her late husband.

A mad punter and racing tragic, he passed away 18 months ago. Since then, Gent has held her family together throughout an incredibly difficult time.

It's a period that has seen the Shellharbour TAB employee stood down from work due to the coronavirus lockdown and undergo a major operation.

Doing it tough, Gent decided the family needed something to turn their fortunes around.

So the group of 21 each contributed $20 and waited anxiously for Thursday's announcement.

"We've had a bit of bad luck lately, losing my husband and having to have major surgery," Gent said.

"I thought bugger, we need something to change our luck. Sure enough, out she popped."

This isn't Gent's first involvement with the Kosciuszko. She was a member of the Shellharbour punters club that won a slot, and later the race, with Handle The Truth in 2019.

So when it came to the crucial decision of choosing a horse, Gent knew exactly whom to turn to.

Albert Tory. The former owner of Illawarra's Toyota dealerships and the architect of that 2019 success.

Tory was straight on the phone to Handle The Truth's trainer Keith Dryden. A deal had already been made with another slot holder and it was back to the drawing board.

Next on the list was Art Cadeau. Trained by Shoalhaven's Terry Robinson and this year's Country Championships winner, the gelding was in high demand.

"I had interest from the big Wagga syndicate," Robinson said. "A couple of my owners are in that syndicate, but they didn't want to take him straight away."

As the other slot holders hesitated, Gent was decisive and Robinson was happy to do a deal with a fellow South Coast resident.

"The local lady wanted to take him straight away. I was trying to do the right thing by the other guys, they were the first to show interest but they couldn't commit.

"It's great that a local group got the slot. A group from Warilla makes this race even better for everyone."

It's a move Gent has a good feeling about.

"I'm glad we stuck with a local trainer," Gent said. "We're pretty hyped and ready for it. The owner and trainer have been fabulous, they've invited us down to the stables if restrictions ease.

"Even if it comes last, we're still winners and we've got to experience this journey."

With one of the best sprinters in country racing in his stable, Robinson expected Art Cadeau to receive a slot in the Kosciuszko.

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From the point he won the Country Championships in April, the trainer has been plotting a path to the $1.3 million feature race.

Tommy Berry is back on board, having ridden the horse in his past five starts for four wins and a second.

The pair will replicate their autumn campaign, Art Cadeau to be kept fresh until the Kosciuszko on October 16.

"He'll have a jump out at Nowra next week then we'll take him to Sydney for a 1000m trial," Robinson said. "That trial a couple of weeks before the race should top him off well.

"He's a horse that goes really well fresh. First-up, he shows a bit more dash and he has a good record. I've spoken to Tommy about it and he's happy to go into the race first-up.

"It's a big jump in class, but he's had two runs at Randwick for two wins which is a positive. He has a great will to win, that's his best asset."

After missing the 2019 victory due to work commitments, Gent is hopeful coronavirus restrictions will ease in time to allow her and her family to be at Randwick for the Kosciuszko.

She's confident her husband will be watching from above and should Art Cadeau salute, Gent knows exactly how the prize money will be spent.

"I haven't been able to carry out my husband's wishes of spreading his ashes in the South Pacific," Gent said. "As soon as cruising opens up again, that's the first thing I'll use the money for.

"I'll get on a cruise with the kids and we'll spread their dad's ashes and put him at peace."

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