Peter Dellar is adamant Devilish Intent can shed his ‘bridesmaid’ status and bounce back in Saturday’s $50,000 XXXX Gold-Carnarvon Cup (2000m).

The Don Eduardo gelding is out to end a frustrating run of narrow seconds in the Roebourne (2200m), Port Hedland (2200m) and Newman Cups (2100m).

“I don’t think he deserves that losers tag because if you look at his runs he didn’t get much luck at all,” said Dellar.

“The horse is racing well and has had the ability to make an impact but is not getting the breaks you need in big races.

“He is a tough old horse who has trained on well and his work earlier in the week was absolutely enormous.

“I like him a lot and really think he can play a part in the finish if he can get a modicum of luck that he deserves.”

Dellar, who won last year’s Carnarvon Cup with Great Wall Of China, rates Devilish Intent ahead of stable mate Eyes Don’t Lie.

The Tiger Hill gelding is tested at the distance having run ninth of 12 in the Roebourne Cup and not winning beyond 1400m.

“If he doesn’t have to do much work in running and can be there at the half mile he can be competitive,” said Dellar.

Devilish Intent has been gifted gate eight for jockey, Noel Rudland. Eyes Don’t Lie, in the hands of Colin Haddon, was dealt a blow with barrier 17.

Dellar believes Dimitrius, one of two runners for Noel Pateman and Unctuous, prepared by Barry Newnham, present the biggest threats to Devilish Intent.

Dimitrius was denied a winning hat trick in the Peter Evans Memorial Handicap (1700m) when Kardy hung on to win by a long-neck.

Unctuous, who posted wins at his previous two outings in Broome, was a further 1 ¼ lengths adrift in fourth position.

Pateman, who also saddles El Tegra, will put family love to one side when he goes up against his daughter and son-in-law.

Nicole Pateman-Masters is aiming to win the biggest race of her short training career with iron horse Full Steam Ahead.

The Tiger Hill gelding, to be ridden by her husband, Andrew Masters, has the burden of carrying topweight of 63kg.

Great Wall Of China carried the same impost when Masters rode him to victory in last year’s Carnarvon Cup.