Canterbury trainers and drivers make the long trek south regularly to the Dunedin track and if things do not go to plan, Jones said the truck journey back up the mainland can be pretty quiet.
That is why he is a touch cautious about being confident with his four runners entered tonight.
''When you've got a team like that, it's either one or the other - there's no middle ground,'' Jones said.
''You do not want to go down there too hopeful, because it could turn to rubbish.
''It can be a very long trip home sometimes.''
Lavros Is King (race 1) might give Jones a guide as to how his night could pan out when he tackles fellow maidens from barrier one over 2200m - assuming the Bettor's Delight gelding makes the trip.
''He's under offer at the moment, but if he's not sold, he'll come down, and hopefully, he won't have to go around another horse.
The 5yr-old was a good fifth at Addington on Friday after working hard from the 800m.
''His last two runs have been not too bad. He's done a lot of work and stuck on.''
Sage Creek (race 2) has drawn on the outside of the non-winners' 2200m pace and Jones feels the outside draw could suit the 3yr-old in his first standing start.
''He hasn't trialled or anything from a stand, but we gave him some practice the other day and all he did was pace, so it shouldn't worry him at all.
''He'll have one or two more runs and then have a break. He'll be better around Christmas time - he's done everything we've asked of him.''
Hellavahanover (race 5) is another one looking to lose her maiden status, but Jones is looking long-term with the Brylin Boyz filly.
Change of planA juvenile campaign was originally on the cards for Hellavahanover, but after that was shelved, Jones changed his mind again.
''I thought she was good enough to race at 2 but she wasn't there mentally, really, so she had a break.
''I was planning on turning her out, but she trialled so good last week, I thought I wouldn't mind getting a couple runs under the belt before turning her out, so when she comes in next time, she's a ready-made racehorse.
''If she trotted the whole way, she'd be pretty hard to beat.''
The inside draw of one from a standing start is less than ideal for a trotting filly new to racing, but Jones hopes her class could overcome the draw.
''She is pretty green, and she's got a lot to learn, but she's got the right attitude and she wants to do it.
Top Notch Lavros (race 8) started like a rocket at Ascot Park on Sunday, before breaking stride going into the first turn. Jones hopes for more of the former and less of the latter tonight.
''It's hard off 20m over 2200m, but he's quite a quick beginner, and he'll probably be amongst the first half [of the field] at the first bend.''
First start for FaulksMr Majestic will have his first start out of the Waikouaiti stables of Andrew Faulks tonight. The Majestic Son 3yr-old was bought off Mosgiel owner-trainer Alan Clark by Gary Young, of Oamaru, following his seventh at the Kurow meeting earlier this month.
He joins a small but strong team for Faulks tonight, with Falcon Ruler (race 6) and Aveross Rustler (race 7) both winning chances in their pacing events. Lady Hest (race 5 is on debut in a maiden trot.
