Warwick Farm trainer Joe Pride believes his evergreen stayer Destiny’s Kiss is primed to become the first horse to win back to back Wyong Gold Cups.

The veteran stayer will carry the number one saddlecloth under 61kg when he lines up for the $160,000 Carlton Draught Wyong Gold Cup (2100m) on Friday.

Destiny’s Kiss, a renowned Cup specialist, added to his impressive haul with a victory in the 2017 Wyong Gold Cup, his eighth feature win.

He has since gone on to record more black type victories in the City Tattersalls Club Cup and WJ McKell Cup.

Pride has given the gelding a similar lead-up to last year’s Wyong Gold Cup and is confident he can get the job done.

“I don’t know if horses have ever gone back to back in the Cup but I’m sure he’s a very good chance of doing that,” he said.

“He’s in really good order and I’m looking forward to Friday.

“A shower on the day would be even better for his chances, so we will see what happens.”

Jay Ford will partner Destiny’s Kiss, who will start from barrier eight.

Neither the weight nor barrier have Pride overly concerned.

“It’s not ideal but in saying that it’s his grade, he’s won a lot of races carrying big weights and I see him as a great chance on Friday.

“I’m sure he won’t let me down.”

Destiny’s Kiss will face strong opposition from Morton’s Fork, a last start winner from the Godolphin stable, whose past victories include the 2016 Sandown Guineas and the Gerald Ryan trained Harper’s Choice.

Harper’s Choice won the Listed Winter Cup over 2400m in June and Premiers Cup Prelude in August 4.

Chris Waller has two runners Black On Gold and Carzoff, as he seeks a sixth Wyong Gold Cup win since 2010.

Trainer Richard Freedman considers his last start Taree Gold Cup winner Shalmaneser a good chance of upsetting the fancied runners.

The eight-year-old gained automatic entry to the Cup with an al the way win in the Taree Cup (2000m) on August 19.

“Old horses like him need plenty going for them. He’s always been a very capable horse, but he’s just had some issues that needed to be sorted out,” Freedman said.

“He’s going in the right direction now.”