Aiming to join some all-time greats

WELL-PERFORMED pacer Ultimate Vinnie will aim to join a select group this weekend.

Winner of the 2024 South Australia Cup, Ultimate Vinnie is poised to contest the feature again at Globe Derby on Saturday night.

Having missed his title defence due to injury last season, Ultimate Vinnie will attempt to become just the fifth champion to regain the crown since the Cup’s inception in 1939.

Triumphant in 1947, Bandbox returned to the throne in 1949, with her second victory also making the daughter of Van Derby the Cup’s first dual winner.

Young Pedro repeated the feat with wins in 1959 and ‘61. The latter success came in one of two divisions of the Cup, with Billabong Scott winning the other.

Westburn Grant became the third member of the fraternitY by scoring in 1990 and ’92.

Smoken Up then captured the Cup in 2008 before heading back across the border to win in ’11, ’12 and ’13.

Smoken Up also joined Gammalite as the only four-time Cup winner, with the latter proving too good in 1982, ‘83, ‘84 and ’85.

As for Ultimate Vinnie, he heads into the $100,000 major on the strength of a heat win for trainer Sam Barker last week.

“It’s good to have him back for another go at the Cup,” Barker said. “We missed last year after he cut himself just under his tendon.

“Everything has gone a lot smoother this year and he couldn’t be in better shape going into this.

“He’s pulled a treat from his heat and his work has been as strong as ever.”

To Barker’s delight the son of Alta Christiano has drawn to settle in a prominent position from the pole.

“That gives us some options from there,” Barker said. “I’d say The Last Trip will be sent out looking for the lead from two, which should give us the perfect sit on the speed.

“If for some reason we can hold the front, he will take some running down.”