GRIFFITH horse trainer Gino D'Altorio only gives away a wry smile when asked about Devious Fella's chances in tomorrow's Cudmore and Dalton Families Griffith Cup (1350m).

"He's in there, so he's got to be a chance," D'Altorio laughs.

"We'll see how we go."

D'Altorio knows a thing or two about winning the race after his galloper, Sonro, crossed the finishing post first last year.

The restaurateur hopes Devious Fella can make it two in a row for his stables but knows the five-year-old gelding has a few hurdles to overcome.

Distance could be an issue for the handsome chestnut, which has never won past 1200m. But D'Altorio believes Devious Fella can feature at the finish if jockey Megan Taylor curbs the horse's front-running instincts.

"He (Devious Fella) normally goes to the front, but we're trying to teach him to come from behind," he said.

"Every time he goes to the front, he gets rolled.

"He's never won over 1350m or 1400m before, so I don't know how he's going to cope. Last time he ran 1400m he did nothing. It was at the Forbes track and it was too hard, so he didn't like it.

"But we'll see what happens on Saturday."

D'Altorio is impressed with the eight-horse field that has been assembled for the $15,000 feature.

Wodonga trainer Brian Cox will be represented by top weight Chinzia (58kg), while Wagga's Wayne Carroll has Casual Zariz jumping from barrier eight.

"Definitely, it's a very strong field," D'Altorio said.

"There are three or four good horses, but you have to be able to beat them.

"Everyone says 'That's a good horse' or 'That's a good horse', but in the end only one wins."

While he would love that to be Devious Fella, D'Altorio will enjoy the day no matter where his galloper finishes.

"I used to (get nervous) in the beginning, but not anymore," D'Altorio said.

"I've been doing this more than 20 years. It's just a hobby.

"When I go to the races, I don't think I'm going to win. When I go, I just hope my horse runs a good race.

"That's all I'm looking at."

The race starts at 3.50pm.