Dhaulagiri set to continue Cups run

Pacer number 6 in a yellow saddle cloth racing past the Globe Derby Park sign

ESTABLISHING himself as the Cups King in recent months, in-form pacer Dhaulagiri is favoured to add another to his collection this weekend.

Despite a tough draw, Dhaulagiri is a $2.40 public elect in the Victor Harbor Cup for trainer Matthew Horsnell.

The son of American Ideal has followed the Cup circuit intensely since November, with 10 of his last 11 starts in provincial features in South Australia and Victoria.

Successful in the Strathalbyn Pacing Cup a fortnight ago, Dhaulagiri has also captured the Kapunda, Boort and St Arnaud Cups, along with the Christmas Cup at Globe Derby.

Dhaulagiri was also runner-up in the SA Italian Cup, while finishing fourth in Horsham, Gunbower, Wedderburn and Mount Gambier’s flagship events.

“He’s in a really rich vein of form at the moment, which is great to see,” Horsnell said. “Hopefully he can keep that going for the remainder of his campaign.

“Obviously he has Sunday’s Cup, then there is the Final so to speak in Port Pirie in a couple of weeks.

“For now though, we’ll just focus on this weekend.”

To be driven by Samantha Hill, Dhaulagiri has drawn the outside of the second row, with recent Cup winners Artillery and Betterzippit also on the back line.

Artillery secured the Port Pirie Cup on March 2, while Betterzippit was triumphant in last Monday’s Gawler Cup.

“The second row is not ideal, but Victor Harbor is a pretty fair track,” Horsnell said. “Of course traffic is always a concern, but he should still get his chance from there.”

  • story Paul Courts
  • Photo Walter Bulyga