The Robert Dunn-trained pacer, who shares the same name as the famed Scottish poet, comes into the race having competed in events that would scare many of his opponents.
The 6yr-old has butted heads with open-class stars Lazarus and Ultimate Machete this season, but today takes on a field which contains horses rated 34 points below him.
Robbie Burns comes off an excellent runner-up effort behind Tiger Thompson in the Central Otago Cup.
A key to his chances are the horse’s manners, driver John Dunn said.
"He did go very well at Omakau, but he has got to step. He missed away in the Ashburton Cup and got too far back.
"If he did get away he wouldn’t be the worst each-way chance."
The Nigel McGrath-trained pairing of Maverick and My Wee Man look the main danger to Robbie Burns.
Like Robbie Burns, Maverick has also raced with merit in far classier fields this season.
The gelding ran third in last year’s 3200m feature when stablemate Classie Brigade recorded a track-record victory in a sizzling 3.53.5 time.
Last year’s running contained stars including Christen Me, Heaven Rocks and Mossdale Conner.
My Wee Man will need to get his standing start manners in order if he is to threaten in today’s Cup.
The 4yr-old was on a roll and quickly progressing through the grades before completely botching the start when last lining up at Wesport. Prior to that the horse had performed well from behind the tapes.
Westwood Beach mare Hopes And Dreams and Canterbury Raider look the best chances of the front markers.
Royal Bengal, a usually reliable beginner could work to his favoured pace-making role early from barrier 1 which could provide Hopes And Dreams with a good horse to follow.
