Nestled in a paddock less than a kilometre away from one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares this galloper has quietly gone about his business like hundreds of others located around the district.

But this Saturday afternoon In Cahoots will experience a dramatic change of pace and race on the famed Flemington turf as part of Australia’s biggest thoroughbred festival.

Just three days out from the race that stops a nation, In Cahoots will feature on Derby Day, with the four-year-old bay gelding contesting the last in a nine-event program.

Maitland trainer Phil Atkins, who has been based in Flemington with In Cahoots for the past two months, said he looked forward to the weekend, but still wanted the best possible result despite the size of the occasion.

“It’s one of the biggest days in Australian ­racing,” Atkins said.

“And it’s good to be here for that but I’m ­trying not to look at it like Derby Day because you still want to perform.” 

In Cahoots, unplaced in only two of 13 career starts, will be in the mix if recent form is ­anything to go by.

He was a last up winner at Caulfield on October 15, which followed a second in the Testa Rossa and third in the Bobbie Lewis ­during September while in Victoria.

These races, like the upcoming event, have been over 1200 metres and with three-time Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Damien Oliver on board and a terrific work rate,  Atkins is ­confident with In Cahoots’ chances. 

“He has a hint of ability, but he just gives 100 per cent every time,” Atkins said. 

“That is the greatest asset a race horse can have, if they want to do it.” 

In Cahoots, with $390,000 in prizemoney after originally being bought for $10,000, is normally housed near the Maitland Railway Station roundabout towards Gillieston Heights, opposite Goldsprings at the Nancarrow family property.

In Cahoots will race at 5.15pm.