Roma's Craig Smith is one of the most successful trainers in Birdsville history and will be shooting for a third Cup win at the iconic desert meeting on Saturday.

In-form trainer Ricardo Le Grange was again effusive of Argentinian stock after another one of his steeds from the South American country landed the spoils on Sunday.

Countofmontecristo has returned in terrific order with a win in the Open Benchmark 97 (1200m) at Kranji on Sunday.

The General has been falling a little out of ranks of late, but trainer Ricardo Le Grange is confident he can get him back in step, even if he faces another tall order this Friday.

Nooresh Juglall is looking forward to riding another feature winner for Thai owners Falcon Racing Stable this Sunday, but said The General has a hard act to follow in Big Brother.