ADELAIDE trainer, David Balfour, has told The West Australian that ruling BMW Perth Cup favorite, Lords Ransom, will have a significant home ground advantage over emerging stayer Right Fong in the New Year's Day feature.

Balfour was impressed with Lords Ransom's strong win in the CB Cox Stakes (2100m) last Saturday week, but he remains confident Right Fong can continue his rapid progression in Friday's $400,000 Perth Cup (2400m) at Ascot.

Balfour arrived in Perth overnight to oversee the final days of Right Fong's preparation for the Group 2 feature, which will include a solid track hit-out tomorrow.

After claiming the Cox Stakes, Lords Ransom firmed to favouritism for the cup and continued support has his quote at $3.70 in Player's market.

Trainer Adam Durrant confirmed Alan Kennedy would be back on board Lords Ransom, after Jason Whiting teamed up with him in the Cox win. Kennedy was suspended at the time.

"The horse that won the Cox looks very good," Balfour said yesterday.

"It's always hard to travel and meet them on their home ground. But his work has been really good since he's been over there and he should run a good race."

Right Fong has improved out of sight since his early racing days on the Fannie Bay dirt track in the Northern Territory, graduating to victories at Cheltenham and Morphettville in South Australia and a pair of Flemington wins in the last two months.

Jockey Mark Pegus advised connections to send the six-year-old to Adelaide to escape the intense humidity and dirt tracks.

"He obviously had some ability. He ran third in the Darwin Guineas and NT Derby (in 2007)," Balfour said.

"He's quite an easy horse to train and once he hits form, he holds it."

Balfour said a middle to outside barrier would be ideal for the Dr Fong gelding, who needs galloping room.

Meanwhile, lightly-raced stayer Almohad is in doubt to gain a start in the Cup with the final field set to be revealed today (Monday).

A stylish four-length winner over 2200m at Ascot earlier this month, Almohad is likely to be named as one of four emergencies, chief handicapper David Hunter said yesterday.

Almohad's cup hopes could rest on one or more late scratchings.

Hunter said Marine Drive and Sentenza were in line for the final spot in the field of 16, barring any late surprises before final declarations.

"It will probably be a toss-up between Marine Drive and Sentenza for the last spot," Hunter said.

"Le Bon Jeune, Truckin Tobie, Almohad and Esroh could be emergencies, but we'll have a good look at it again in the morning."

Gondorff and Great Destiny were the big market movers after Saturday's ATA Handicap at Ascot.

Despite running third as favourite, Gondorff firmed to $6 for the cup, while Great Destiny, a luckless eighth, rocketed in to $11. The barrier draw will take place tomorrow.

LATEST PERTH CUP MARKET

$3.70 Lords Ransom

$6 Gondorff

$7 Right Fong

$7.50 Ma Chienne

$9 Newport

$10 Largo Lad

$11 Great Destiny, Impressive Jeuney

$15 Cassandara Shadow, Star Encounter, New Spice

$17 Daka's Gem, Markus Maximus, Almohad

$21 Fairygem, Bellabaci, Marine Drive, Le Bon Jeune

$26 Pentoscar

$31 Definitive, Streetfighter, Sentenza.

STORY COURTESY OF THE WEST AUSTRALIAN