Chasing slice of Cup history

MULTIPLE Group One star Mach Dan will aim for a slice of history tomorrow night.

Engaged in the time-honoured Geelong Cup, Mach Dan is attempting to become the event’s first triple winner.

As it stands, the Emma Stewart-trained son of Mach Three is one of only three dual winners since the feature’s inception in 1963 thanks to his victories in 2022 and ’23.

Quite Famous was triumphant in 1985 before returning to reclaim the throne in 1988, while Our Malabar became the first consecutive winner in 2009 and ’10.

Mach Dan fell agonizingly short of a hat-trick last season, finishing a half-neck second to Rakero Rebel.

Top reinsman Mark Pitt is expected to utilise Mach Dan’s gate speed to find the lead from barrier four, giving the gelding the opportunity to thrive in his favourite role as pacemaker.

“We are happy with his draw and expect him to be hard to beat,” Stewart said. “He’s had a good run in that Cup, so hopefully that will continue this year.

“It’s also his 100th start, so a win would be the perfect result.”

Boasting a phenomenal five wins from the past eight cups, Stewart will also be represented by Oliver Dan, which will come from gate six.

“He had a nice freshen-up after the Hunter Cup and it has done him the world of good,” Stewart said. “He’s drawn the widest due to his ODM status, but in a small field, no matter where he settles, he shouldn’t be far off the pace.”