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By Tony Megahey

Rising young Toowoomba co-trainer Corey Geran can’t comprehend the continued market “underrating” of his dual Listed runner-up Without Revenge ($5.50 on TAB) into a booming Cherry Sports Group Ballina Cup (1590m) on Friday.

The Cup has risen spectacularly in status as a qualifier with the presence of icon Lee Freedman from the Gold Coast, Chris Munce, Matt Dunn and the strong contingent of locals.

Without Revenge (Ryan Maloney) in winning touch at Doomben. Image by Trackside Photography

It is also a qualifying event for the $3m Big Dance at Royal Randwick in November.

Without Revenge for Corey & Kylie Geran and 59kg for Andrew Mallyon is the value against the Matthew Dunn juggernaut of three runners in the Cup on a rain-affected surface.

Matt is in the zone training a double at Saturday’s massive Gold Coast Magic Millions raceday.

Dunn’s Eagle Farm and Doomben winner Eaglemont is a pronounced $2.70 favourite while stablemate Dorset Coast is a rough $26 chance.

Corey and training partner Kylie Geran purchased UK import Without Revenge for $40,000 from David Van Dyke's connections and the results have been spectacular along with some disappointment.

At a massive $201 Without Revenge finished a close fourth in the Little Dance at Royal Randwick in November behind Listed gallopers Spangler and Lion’s Roar.

No fluke as Without Revenge then was runner-up twice last month at $21 in the Listed-Tails Stakes at Doomben and the Listed-Bernborough at Eagle Farm, both behind the Kris Lees-trained Acquitted.

The Muhaaar (GB) six year-gelding has already trebled his purchase price for the Gerans.

“This horse is quality, just so genuine, the odds have been ridiculous with his consistency and Listed form - $201 at Randwick and ran fourth then $21 when runner-up twice to Acquitted. The form says he’s real good horse.”

And the tight Ballina will suit his racing pattern from the good gate.

“He’s won at 2000m on-pace, he's race fit with a good barrier and the distance is right. He’ll settle into his pattern, just roll and sustain it.”

However, the concern for most is Ballina at present is a Heavy 10 with showers forecast for Thursday and Friday.

Corey has concerns there and has accepted in the last race at Eagle Farm on Saturday as a precaution.

“Of course, Ballina and the qualifier is the priority, he handles rain-affected but our concern is he’s an unknown on worst side of heavy so we’re hoping is doesn't get too wet."

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Ballina here