Scone trainer Rodney Northam believes evergreen gelding Prior Baron is in the right form to go one better than last year in Sunday’s $30,000 Gilgandra Cup.

Prior Baron was beaten a head by Freton in 2013.

“The old fella is going great,” Northam said of his stable stalwart.

“He’s freshened up nicely since last start, enjoying his racing and I expect him to run well.”

Prior Baron, a 10-year-old, has been a marvel for Northam.

Still as sound as a bell, the gelding continues to display a zest for racing many younger horses lack.

“He’s always been consistent, thereabouts in most of his races,” Northam said.

“I don’t know if this will be his last campaign. It would be sad to lose him but at the moment he’s racing really well and we’ll push on until he says he’s had enough.”

Prior Baron has a record of 79 starts for 11 wins, 25 placings and $243,970 prize money.

And to think back to his early years – he’s been with Northam since he was a yearling – he may have been lost to Singapore.

“He was going to Singapore but was a bad box walker and with the humidity over there they eventually decided to leave him here. I’m glad they did,” Northam said.

Prior Baron deserves a Cup win after finishing placings in the Barraba, Muswellbrook and Mudgee Cups this campaign.

The son of Langfuhr is coming off a last-start win over 1300m at Scone on December 13.

Daniel Northey, who rode him last year, has the mount, with Prior Baron launching from barrier four with 56.5kg.

Jockey Greg Ryan, trying to win the Gilgandra Cup for the 10th time, will partner the Todd Howlett-trained Quindelop.