Trainer Luke Fernie admits there were tears flowing in the winners circle after Be Optimistic's Kalgoorlie Cup win.

How he negotiates the Kalgoorlie track for the first time rather than fitness will threaten General Grant’s chances of winning Saturday’s $150,000 XXXX-Kalgoorlie Cup (2200m), according to trainer Stephen Miller.

Pinjarra trainer Brett Pope is happy to kick start Divine Shadow’s campaign in Kalgoorlie and expects a competitive performance on his return.