Mr Muhlhan says the 127 entrants for the day is as good as it's ever been highlighted by the women's event which boasts an impressive field of 12 class runners.

Along with Cowra's hopes, defending champion Lauren Keating and Queanbeyan Gift winner Sophie Broadhead are expected to make up the contenders for the $1000-to-the-winner footrace.

"Brooke White has been running a lot of races and it looks like she's really prepared for this event," Mr Muhlhan said.

"Gabriella is living in Wollongong but always travels back, she wants to win in Cowra and with similar form to last year when she finished second she'll come close.

"Sophie Broadhead won the Queanbeyan Gift, her handicap will be reduced but given she's a quality athlete she'll be very competitive as will last year's winner Lauren Keating."

Cowra's Brooke White, who has battled injuries in her sporadic seven year professional racing career, says she expects some tough competition in her first outing at the Cowra Gift since 2014 and conceded she'll have to overcome a late setback to be at her best.

"I think it'll be pretty close, there's some good runners coming and the handicapper has it pretty spot on. I dare say there'll be some close finishes," White said.

"I've been preparing for 12 months, unfortunately two weeks ago I injured my knee which put an end to training.

"It's a good one to target at the start of the season and it's in Cowra and Dad [Geoff White] organisers it so I was aiming to do well.

"I've been racing for seven years on and off but I'm back into it now and am getting over the injuries. A podium finish would be nice."

Athletes will converge from as far as Melbourne for a shot at the day's $4,600 prizemoney while the majority of competitors travel from Canberra, Sydney and Albury.

According the Mr Muhlhan, the $1500-to-the-winner men's Cowra Gift (120m) will be hotly contested between Sydney duo Steven Blacker and Michael Dotti.

Both runners chased the spoils at the Botany Bay Gift on Australia Day which resulted in Blacker finishing second and Dotti fifth.

Former Cowra Gift champion and last year's runner up Mick Kember, also based in Sydney, will be a likely challenger.

"[Blacker and Dotti] would have to be the favourites for taking out the day's main event," Mr Muhlhan said.

"Mick Kember finished second last year he'll also be a big chance.

"I think it's starting to gather some history now it's in its sixth year and people are becoming familiar with Cowra. What's impressive is the turnover of names each year it's really positive," he added.

Racing starts from 11.45am on Sunday with the finals beginning from 3pm.

Events- 120m Novice-Veterans; 70m Sprint; 300m Open Handicap; 70m X 4 Open Skins; 120m Junior; 120m men's and women's Cowra Gift.