Noel Pateman would welcome adding another feature provincial race to his impressive training resume.
The experienced Dongara horseman is hoping to secure his second Moora Cup (1800m) when he saddles Dimitrius on Saturday.
The Helenus gelding was in ripping form when he posted two wins and as many seconds from four of five starts in Carnarvon.
But a productive winter campaign came unstuck when on his biggest occasion he ran unplaced in last month’s Carnarvon Cup (2000m).
Pateman is confident after a short freshen up Dimitrius can bounce back and says winning the Moora Cup would mean so much more than just bragging rights.
Pateman is determined to provide good mate and the eight-year-olds owner, Gordon Patten, with a major personal fillip.
“Gordon has been laid low with some health problems and is in Joondalup hospital recovering,” said Pateman.
“He won’t be able to attend which I know he is dissapointed about but hopefully Dimitrius can do the job for him.
“He and I got a great thrill and were carrying on like a couple of two old idiots when he won twice in Carnarvon.
“So I know what taking out the Moora Cup can do for him and I’m sure it will put a smile on his face and give him a boost.”
Dimitrius, a veteran of 54 starts and $70, 285 in prizemoney, reunites with the Country Racing Association Jockey of the Year, Mandy Richmond.
Richmond, who rode the gelding in his twin Carnarvon victories, partners Dimitrius from the second widest gate in the field of ten.
“Mandy understands and rides the horse well,” said Pateman.
“She actually had the option of riding him in the Carnarvon Cup but opted for stalemate, El Tegra instead.
“I think you have to rule a line through his run in the Carnarvon Cup.
“He was showing signs of having enough and may have reached the end of his tether.
“He has had a short break and does race well fresh.”
Pateman believes the biggest obstacle to Dimitrius could come from his daughter and son-in-law.
Trainer Nicole Pateman-Masters and jockey husband, Andrew Masters, will combine with top weight, Devilish Intent.
The Don Eduardo nine-year-old and Madam’s Dream form a two-pronged attack for the husband and wife team.
Devilish Intent ran second in the Roebourne Cup (2200m), the Port Hedland Cup (2200m) and Newman Cup (2100m).
He finished one length fourth behind Kardy in the Carnarvon Cup before a running distant fifth to Raising Dubai in the Toodyay Cup (1850m).
“He as a little unlucky because he fell behind a few of the runners who were coming back at him,” said Pateman.
“You can’t do that at Toodyay where you have to be up and running.
“He could be the biggest problem to Dimitrius and if that is the case I wouldn’t mind.
“Nicole is the apple of my eye and Andrew is a terrific jockey who has a great record in country cups.”
Devilish Intent will lump 60kg in the Moora Cup. Madam’s Dream, drawn in gate five for Peter Farrell, carries 55kg.
Julio Santarelli