Falcon Crown won the Westport Cup last month and he has also won on grass at Methven (twice) and Motukarara.
He ran fourth behind Ohoka Texas in the Pelorus Classic at Waterlea at his last start.
Hokonui Ben, last start winner of the Reefton Cup, is trained and driven by Jim Curtin, who drove Manhattan Rusty to win the Oamaru Cup last year.
Still Coughin has been running sound races on grass and all-weather tracks, suggesting he will figure in the finish.
Trainer Phil Williamson will take the reins on Springbank Richard for the first time in the gelding's 65 starts in the Interdominion heat at Ballarat tonight.
Springbank Richard has been driven in his 19 wins including an Interdominion heat at Shepparton last Saturday by son Nathan Williamson, who has commitments at the Invercargill meeting today.
Paul Court was suspended until midnight next Saturday after he admitted starting from the incorrect barrier position at Forbury Park on Thursday night.
Court, driving Between The Lines, started from two on the second line instead of the unruly (1) position. A protest by stewards against the third placing of Between The Lines on the basis that the horse gained an advantage was dismissed.
Five horses trained by Steve Lock were declared late scratchings on Thursday. Lock advised stewards early in the afternoon that he had mechanical problems with the truck to transport the horses.
The Grandson was disqualified from first placing in the maiden trot for leaving his gait in the closing stages.
