Iconic trainer Bart Cummings is renowned as the Cups King, referring to his 12 wins in the race that stops the nation: the Melbourne Cup.
In our own local patch, the Perth Cup, Muchea horseman, Alan Mathews, is recognised as the modern day supremo with six wins.
Mathews sits one short of all the all-time record of seven wins held jointly by George Towton and WA Racing Hall of Famer, JJ Kelly.
At Roebourne, 1554km north of Perth is Western Australia’s second oldest race club. At this venue Peter Dellar is in a class of his own.
Dellar has seven Roebourne Cup trophies sitting on his mantelpiece, holding an influence over the race for close to thirty years.
Chaprada (1988), Brazen Beau (1990), Rocky Kwila (2007, 2008, 2009) and Great Wall Of China (2012, 2013), Dellar’s conquerors.
On Saturday his quest for an unprecedented eighth Roebourne Cup continues when he saddles former Perth galloper, Rive Gauche, a noted tough on pace runner.
The Zabeel gelding won four races at Ascot and Belmont, ran second in the Esperance Cup (200m) and placed fourth in the Boulder Cup (2100m) when in the care of Justin Warwick.
“I specifically targeted him as a Roebourne Cup horse,” said Dellar.
“He is a classy galloper with good Perth form.
“He races on pace and has won over 2200m.
“He also comes in very well with his ratings.”
Dellar says he has given Rive Gauche the best preparation and is confident the gelding will be at his peak for the Roebourne Cup.
Four hit outs since a spell including a last-start second to Saxon’s Patch, when beaten a neck, has armed Dellar with confidence.
Rive Gauche gains a 1kg swing on Saxon’s Patch, an in form mare who is chasing five consecutive wins for trainer, Kevin McAuley.
“He is warming up to his task and building with each run,” said Dellar.
“He is gaining confidence and form with each outing.
“I’m more than happy with how my bloke is going.
“He is right on target.”
Rive Gauche will confront a field of seven rivals in the $50,000 Roebourne Cup. From gate three he will be ridden by, Noel Rudland.
RWWA: Julio Santarelli