The Port Lincoln Cup will be worth $40,000 for the first time, following the club's elevation from country to provincial status in August last year.

About 85 per cent of the horses in the cup are locally owned and trained, but this figure may change in the future due to the shift in status.

Provincial status has seen the open race prize money rise from $7750 to $15,000 but on feature cup days the increase will be from $15,000 to $40,000.

It was hoped about 5000 people would attend the races over the two days - an increase on last year's figures - with attractions including the fashions of the field competition.

Club chief executive Ian McCleery said he was hoping for a brilliant day with good weather and happy punters and racegoers, which would include about 1500 corporate guests.

"We always have tremendous support; it is a great opportunity for Port Lincoln to show off itself ... fingers crossed the gods shine upon us with good weather," Mr McCleery said.

n 4 page form guide pages 19-22

n Trackside preview, page 36