McNair hopes Com'ear, to debut in the Beaumont Street Butchery Maiden (900 metres), has inherited a splash of the ability from his family.

The three-year-old gelding is the first foal for Ears Veronica, which had her career cut short by injury after scoring three wins from 11 starts.

Ears Veronica is a full sister to Ears' Ronny - the gallant old performer which won more than $500,000 in prizemoney from 137 starts, including placings in the AJC St Leger, the Sydney Cup and the Brisbane Cup.

McNair loves putting the word ear into horse names, and this one was a no-brainer.

"He is by Commands out of Ears Veronica, so it was natural I would call him Com'ear," McNair said with a laugh.

Despite the unusual name, this one can gallop.

Com'ear had a hit-out at Gosford in the trial session on February 26 and won in strong fashion.

"He will go well on Saturday, but I am hoping he can be ridden off the pace," McNair said.

"He was on the pace in the trial, but I am sure he will be at his most effective when we get him over a bit more ground and he is able to relax off the pace."

No matter what happens on debut, McNair is sure he has bred another good galloper.

"His mum Ears Veronica never got to show how good she could have been," McNair said.

"She won a few races but broke down, and the incredible part is that she was a sprinter and her full brother, old Ears Ronny, was an out-and-out stayer.

"I'm just hoping he has the speed of his mum and the strength of her brother.

"Ears' Ronny was a great horse for me, and when you look at his record you have to remember it took a champion like Tie The Knot to get past him in a Sydney Cup."

McNair, a group 1-winning trainer in Western Australia, has engaged in-form Newcastle apprentice Alexandra Stokes for the ride on Com'ear.

"Alex still has a lot to learn but she is keen and can ride, so we might as well take advantage of her three-kilo claim.