Establishing himself as the Cups King in recent months, in-form pacer Dhaulagiri is in solid position to add another to his collection this weekend.
Despite a tough draw, Dhaulagiri is among the favourite’s ahead of Sunday’s Ouyen Cup for trainer Matthew Horsnell.
The son of American Ideal has followed the Cup circuit intensely since November, with 14 of his last 19 starts in provincial features in South Australia and Victoria.
Successful in the Adelaide Pacing Cup on ANZAC Day, Dhaulagiri has also captured the Kapunda, Boort, Port Pirie and St Arnaud Cups, along with the Christmas Cup at Globe Derby.
Dhaulagiri was also runner-up in the SA Italian Cup, while finishing fourth in Horsham, Gunbower, Wedderburn and Mount Gambier’s flagship events.
“He’s been in a real rich vein of form, which is great to see,” Horsnell said. “Hopefully he can keep that going for the remainder of his campaign.
“Nothing went his way in Terang last week, but he has come through the run well.
“He was probably too fresh in Terang, but he’s done plenty of work this week, so hopefully things will be smoother in Ouyen.”
Lochie Cook, who has driven the gelding to victory in three Cups, will once again partner Dhaulagiri from barrier 11 – the outside of the second row.
Triumphant in the Boort and Gunbower Cups, Crime Writer is among the main dangers from barrier seven for trainer Matthew Craven.
“The second row is not ideal, but he was always going to draw there given the preferential conditions,” Horsnell said. “Of course traffic is also a concern during the run, but he should still get his chance from there.
“It’s over 2423 metres, which gives Lochie plenty of time to put him into the race.”
Picture: BOTRA SA
