WAGGA trainer Wayne Carroll is crossing his fingers and hoping for a favourable barrier draw for Casual Zariz ahead of Saturday's Cudmore and Dalton Families Griffith Cup (1350m).

Carroll has been impressed with Casual Zariz's efforts in the lead-up to the race, the six-year-old gelding grabbing a third and two seconds from his previous three starts.

When the barrier draw is finalised later this week, Carroll hopes to see Casual Zariz jumping from gate three or four.

"He's just one of those horses that doesn't seem to have any luck when it comes to barrier draws," Carroll said.

"Last time he drew a good barrier he won at Narrandera.

"He's thriving at the moment. Most horses would be looking for a spell now, but he just seems to be thriving on the work."

That's a good sign for Carroll, who is impressed with the calibre of horses set to contest the $15,000 feature race.

"I had a look through the nominations and they seem very strong. It's great for Griffith racing to attract such strong runners," he said.

"(Wodonga trainer) Brian Cox has a couple. Gary Colvin's got Street Ride in there.

"It won't be an easy race to win, that's for sure."

Carroll has never lifted the Griffith Cup before and hasn't raced at Dalton Park since it reopened in 2010.

"I haven't been there for a couple of years," Carroll said.

"But the reports coming out have been very good about the track.

"The trainer's job is to put horses on good courses, so they avoid breaking down and the like.

"I'll definitely be bringing over a few this weekend."

But of all his runners, Carroll admits he has a soft spot for Casual Zariz.

"He's just a really good horse to train," he said.

"He's very courageous, and he's had a lot of foot problems over the years.

"He's certainly not perfect, but he's like a good footballer in that he can carry an injury."

As well as the Griffith Cup, five other races are on the program for Saturday.