A tilt at the $A2 million Gr.1 Sydney Cup has been ruled out for Pacorus, but he remains in contention for an overseas trip later in the year.

The talented Tavistock five-year-old will run in this weekend's Gr.2 Courtesy Ford Awapuni Gold Cup, after which trainer Chris Wood will lock in a programme for the stayer.

"We'll get through Saturday first and then we'll work out a plan, but he won't be going to Sydney," he said.

"He had a blood disorder and we're a bit behind the eight ball for that. There are $A100,000 races for him in Melbourne through the winter so that's an option."

Pacorus, who won an impressive six races in his last preparation, has made three appearances in his current campaign and finished a last-start fourth in the Bay of Plenty Cup.

"He got a bit further back than I wanted when they sprinted and that's not blaming Viktoria (Gatu), it's just the way it panned out and that's racing," Wood said.

"That track was a bit tricky as well so he ran pretty much as I expected. He's still on the way up."

Gatu will again ride Pacorus on Saturday while Mark Hills will continue his association with Joyfilly in the Gr.1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes.

"She's done well and she galloped nicely yesterday (Tuesday) morning," Wood said.

Joyfilly finished runner-up in the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders' Stakes last month and on her return to Matamata next time out she had no trouble going one better.

"She's won on a slow track and she can race anywhere in a field so I rate her a realistic chance," Wood said.