Peter Stanley (Catcha Crown and Dungannon), Don and Andrew Ryan (Annecy), Dean Mirfin (Keymaster) and Paul Thoebald (Attilius) had horses among Thursday’s nominations for the $30,000 feature race.

A total of 22 nominations have been received for the Soldier’s Saddle.

Tyers Park Racing Manager Michelle Tarpenning said it’s fantastic to see strong local support.

“Bjorn Baker’s there to give the local lads a run. I’m very happy to see the local trainers supporting the race,” she said.

“Hopefully one of them will be able to bring the saddle back home.

“The lead up to this race is really exciting. It’s a great event that celebrates a special day.

“The nominations for the saddle and the Class 1 Maiden in particular were great. We had 21 horses nominate for that race.”

Baker’s duo of Capella Magna and Mad For Art, should they make the final field, will be strong contenders.

Stratum mare Capella Magna is first up after a strong preparation, which included four wins from six starts. Three-year-old gelding Mad For Art has won both his previous runs at Bathurst.

Stanley’s runners have both finished narrowly behind Mad For Art across his pair of Tyers Park victories. Dungannon and Catcha Crown will need to lift in order to challenge for the Saddle.

Theobald’s gallant grey Attilius picked up his first placing at Bathurst last preparation but finds himself against much tougher company in the Saddle nominations.

The Ryan’s mare Annecy will be second up should she be among the acceptances. She may appreciate the small rise in distance at the Bathurst feature.

Mirfin’s Keymaster received a big handicap re-rating following a recent fourth at Warwick Farm.

The six-year-old gelding is has the highest benchmark of the Bathurst contingent, thanks to a preparation that includes two strong wins on his home track.

Acceptances for the Soldier’s Saddle must be made before Monday at 9am.