These days it just wouldn’t be a country cup meeting without the appearance of the Brent Lilley/Tristan Larsen combination.
Just like Forrest and Jenny, Lilley, Larsen and country cups go together like “peas and carrots”.
During the past 12 months the duo have won an incredible eight provincial features, including last week’s Echuca Trotters’ Cup with El Conqueror.
The gelding’s triumph provided Lilley and Larsen with consecutive wins in the race, having captured the 2025 edition with Johns Boy.
El Conqueror’s victory also broke a frustrating string of Cup seconds during his previous three starts.
This time around Lilley and Larsen will once again rely on El Conqueror in Sunday’s Hamilton Trotters’ Cup.
“He’s in a purple patch, so hopefully he can keep it going,” Larsen said. “It was a bit of a frustrating run finishing second in three cups, but he got another one which is terrific.
“That’s his second cup from five starts since coming to Brent’s stable from New Zealand, so he has done a top job.
“A touch more luck in a couple of those others and his record would read even better.”
As for his pending assignment, El Conqueror will share the 10-metre back mark with three rivals, with another trio drawn the front line.
A recent Mount Gambier winner from a 50-metre handicap, Stockman Peter is the early $1.80 favourite from the front row. El Conqueror is the second elect at $6.50.
“The handicap is not much of a concern,” Larsen said. “The race is over 2660 metres, so there is plenty of time.
“It’s a small, but handy field, and we’re going into it with high hopes.”
Along with the prizemoney, the top three finishers will receive a product from Carbine Chemicals fantastic range.
In a terrific show of support, Carbine Chemicals is providing products to the placegetters in every race on the card.
Main image: Claire Weston Photography
