Should Berdibek claim the $1 million The Gong, O'Shea will become the first trainer to complete the provincial feature double.

Granted, the races were only established in 2019, but it would remain an impressive feat to achieve before the likes of Chris Waller and Godolphin.

Read more: Robert and Luke Price embarking on Noble journey to top

O'Shea admits he hasn't put too much thought to the idea, but he said it would be a proud moment if Berdibek salutes on Saturday.

"It would be a unique experience to win both," O'Shea said. "They're only new races, but we'll be trying our best to get a result. It was very enjoyable last Saturday and will be similarly enjoyable this Saturday.

"I love going to both Kembla Grange and Newcastle. They're such great tracks and I've started some wonderful young horses at both locations. To come down there and be part of a big day is wonderful."

Berdibek is currently considered a $21 chance with the TAB, but is likely to be well-positioned in the run after drawing barrier two.

Hugh Bowman will take the ride, having also steered Lost And Running to a dominant victory last weekend.

While not considered among the most-fancied runners, Berdibek boasts a lengthy resume.

The eight-year-old won both the Listed Rowley Mile and Listed Wyong Cup earlier this spring and has found career-best form.

While the gelding has been racing well, O'Shea is remaining composed and hoping for some luck in running.

"We'll be very relaxed, the horse will run well and if we get a little bit of luck, he'll be in the finish.

"Whenever he's effective at 1600 metres, he's needed a good tempo, hopefully we get a good tempo on Saturday.

"He's been a great horse to us. If we had a stable full of Berdibeks, life would be pretty easy. He's a consistent horse, he's earned the guts of $500,000 in prizemoney and given his ownership group plenty of joy along the way."

Count De Rupee remains the $3.60 favourite, despite the wide barrier draw, with Atishu at $6.50, and I Am Superman and Epsom runner-up Aramayo at $7.50.

While the hopes of the Illawarra will be on the Price-trained gelding, O'Shea considers a different horse the one to beat.

"I would think Aramayo is the horse to beat," O'Shea said.

"He's a proven miler, he gets James McDonald on board. He probably got ridden the wrong way the other day so you can forgive his run at Flemington. Generally the Epsom form is good form to follow."

O'Shea will also saddle up Kirwan's Lane in a 1600m BenchMark 88 on Saturday, while Blesk, the current favourite in the last, will likely be scratched after drawing a wide barrier in a 10-horse field.

"Kirwan's Lane is very well placed," O'Shea said. "He was afforded absolutely no luck the other day in the Goulburn Cup. He has a good record in a mile and it wouldn't be a surprise if he was to pick up another win.

"Blesk has also been good, but we'll probably leave him at home. We're sick of drawing bad gates and having difficult runs. I think the best thing for him is to wait a week and draw a better gate.

The Illawarra Mercury news app is now officially live on both iOS and Android devices. It is available for download in the Apple Store and Google Play.