At 11pm the gates will release and soon after the 2017 Inter Dominion champion will be crowned, and for San Carlo's crew qualification is the reward for an unforgettable journey.
The realisation of trainer Stephen O'Donoghue and driver Rebecca Bartley's faith in their Mach Three gelding, San Carlo's path is also thrilling his owners, the Eichhorn family.
"It was great for everyone," O'Donoghue said of San Carlo's win in last Friday's heat over heavyweights Soho Tribeca and Lennytheshark, which booked himself a place in the $1.1 million final.
WATCH: SAN CARLO INTER DOM A DREAM FOR MANY
In particular, O'Donoghue is buoyed by the joy it will bring longtime owner Jack Eichhorn and his family.
"Jack is very loyal," O'Donoghue said. "It's been a wonderful, wonderful relationship, not just with the horses, but knowing Jack as a young person. He's been a role model for me. He played a big role in who I am today.
"We talk on the phone twice a week, every week, never miss for 20-odd years. It's carried on now with Maureen and John and I'm very lucky."
John Eichhorn said San Carlo's performances had meant the world to his father, Jack, who is on the eve of his 92nd birthday.
"It means everything to us," John said. "Dad's getting quite old now and he's not very well. Unfortunately he won't be able to go to the Inter Dominion, but he will hopefully be able to watch the race. We will certainly be telling him all about it.
"He's always loved horses, so having a horse like this is really thrilling to him. He's always asking about it now. The more (San Carlo) does the more exciting it is for the family. It's brought all the family together to have something like this happen. It's a tremendous event."
WATCH: SAN CARLO INTER DOM A DREAM FOR MANY
Media enquiries:
Michael Howard (HRV Media/Communications Co-Ordinator)
t: 03 8378 0286 | e: mhoward@hrv.org.au | tw: @MichaelRHoward
