Jones and his stable star, Master Lavros, are back at the scene of their greatest triumph, which came in the 2013 Dominion Trot.
Jones believes he has the giant gelding as good as he can get him for the 3200m grind.
''He's definitely trotting better this season and he's trotting away, too, which is a major plus,'' Jones said.
''We had a few problems with him last season and fixed them, so hopefully that's the turning point.''
The 7yr-old's manners have been on display in all three starts this season.
He led at Addington on October 2 before being run down by Stent, won at Addington a week later, and led up at Kaikoura only to go down late - once again to Stent.
''He does struggle at Kaikoura,'' Jones said.
''He was only a length from the leader and he's improved a hell of a lot since then. He's definitely going to be happier over the two miles and on the bigger track.''
Kaikoura is a good guide for Jones. Two years ago, Master Lavros also ran fourth at Kaikoura before his win in the Dominion.
''His run at Kaikoura was definitely better than it was two years ago, and he's pretty ready and fit. Weight-wise, he's down to his proper racing weight, so we can't do much more.''
All Jones can focus on now is the tactics, and it is no surprise to hear he is planning to give his rivals something to chase.
''He's best going to the front and trying to run a record, because he's probably the best stayer in the race,'' he said.
''If he goes around in 4.07 or 4.08, they can all run that, but if he goes 4.02, not many of them can do that.''
The one challenge for Jones is the presence of hot favourite Stent drawn inside Master Lavros.
''We've got to do things right but if he's on our back, he's going to be the one to beat. We've just got to make it a stayers' race.''
Jones will again team up with Corzin Terror in the group 1 pacing free-for-all.
Corzin Terror was his own worst enemy at times in the New Zealand Cup, finishing eighth.
''He probably would have run third or fourth if he didn't hang,'' Jones said.
He will start from barrier 7 over the 1950m, but could be helped by Arden Rooney and Smolda starting outside him behind the mobile barrier.
''There will be mid-race moves and they're going to go hard early, which might bring us into it a little bit.''
Jones rates the progressive type Articulight (race 4) as the best of his drives, while Sun-oflindenny is worth a place bet in race 1.
