Larrikin jockey Les “Bubba” Tilley is daring to dream of winning the Rockhampton Cup for the fourth time.
But larrikin Queensland hoop Les “Bubba” Tilley can achieve the remarkable milestone on Saturday when he strives to win his fourth Rockhampton Cup.
The knockabout Queensland jockey has won the central Queensland race the last two years on Master Jamie and the duo will be looking for a third successive win together on Saturday.
Tilley also won the Rockhampton Cup aboard Mamselle Corday in 2018.
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“To win it three times is unbelievable and to win it a fourth time would just be a dream,” Tilley said.
“It’s pretty cool already walking into my lounge room and seeing three Rockhampton Cups on the top shelf next to the Grey Goose (vodka).
“Master Jamie basically doesn’t win a race unless it’s the Rocky Cup.”
Now a rising eight-year-old, old warrior Master Jamie will be lining up for start number 64 in a grand career.
Last start he was beaten a long way in the big smoke in the Listed Wayne Wilson at Eagle Farm which was won by Tony Gollan’s impressive galloper and likely spring carnival contender Freedom Rally.
But Tilley said there were excuses, with Master Jamie pulling up with the thumps.
Rockhampton trainer Graeme Green has since trialled Master Jamie over 900m at his home Rockhampton track.
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Master Jamie’s trainer Graeme Green. Picture: Michael McInally
Tilley points out that Master Jamie will only have to carry 59kg on Saturday – less than the 59.5kg he has carried to his two previous Cup victories.
“He lumps big weights all year, but this is the lightest weight he has carried in a Rocky Cup,” Tilley said.
“He is a horse with all heart, we all know that, and he just loves the Rocky straight.
“I think what Graeme has done, trialling him and going into this, is perfect.
“We all know he will run the distance, we just need him to be on fresh legs.”
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TAB rates Master Jamie among the top fancies to win the Rockhampton Cup again – he was a $6.50 chance in betting on Friday.
The veteran galloper has drawn ideally in the inside barrier.