Ace draw brings Danny's Geelong Cup dream closer to fruition

Prominent Geelong-based owner Danny Zavitsanos is hoping for third time lucky in a bid to win a hometown cup at Beckley Park on Saturday night.

The Zavitsanos-owned and Emma Stewart-trained Mach Dan is a $2.10 favorite for the Group 2 Devcon Properties Geelong Pacing Cup after drawing the coveted inside alley over the 2570m journey.

Code Black went within a neck of fulfilling Zavitsanos’ dream when he finished runner-up behind Phoenix Prince in 2019, while Mach Dan finished down the track after sitting parked behind General Dodge in last year’s version.

Zavitsanos could scarcely hide his delight after marbles fell his way in the barrier draw.

“It’s nice to get a good draw,” Zavitsanos said.

“While he is not over the line, he is a fast beginner and if he gets an easy lap then he is going to be hard to beat.”

The five-year-old resumed from a spell with a midfield finish behind Rock N Roll Doo in the Victoria Cup a fortnight ago from a back row draw.

“It’s difficult to make ground from where he was back in the field from the second row when they run home in 26.8,” he said.

Zavitsanos said he has received an encouraging report from the stable.

“Clayton (Tonkin) said the horse has trained on well since the Victoria Cup and he is very happy with where he is at,” he said.

Zavitsanos believes Mach Dan will provide him with his best chance yet of snaring the Geelong Cup.

“Code Black went pretty close three years ago, but this year Mach Dan has the draw and that little bit of extra fitness to go one better,” he said.

“It’s one race I’ve always wanted to win- it’s like the Melbourne Cup to me.”

The Geelong Cup carries a golden ticket into the Inter Dominion Pacing Championship heats for the winner.