Diamonds At Noon gave Cerchi his first Dunkeld Cup victory in 2014 after his late dad Jim won the 1800-metre race on two occasions during his long training career. The colourful trainer has six runners Universal Thief, Dandy Diamond, Nature’s Dragon, Royal Spinner, Grogans Anvil and Menegatti running on the eight-race program.

“I would love to win another Dunkeld Cup,” Cerchi said. “My family has had a bit of success in the cup and other races over the years. Menegatti has had two runs back from a spell. She was doing her best work at the end of her last run. It’s a tough race and she’s drawn a wide barrier which is not a real advantage but she’s probably the best I’ve had her for this preparation. The day has gone from strength to strength over the years and is a real credit to the hard-working Dunkeld committee.”

Royal Spinner looms as Cerchi’s best chance of success at the once-a-year race meeting.

“I would like to think I could win one or two races,” he said. “Royal Spinner is my best hope. He was just beaten at Ballarat last time. He’s ran second on two occasions at Dunkeld so he likes the track. I’m sure he’s going to be very competitive especially after drawing a nice barrier.”

Dunkeld Racing Club officials are hopeful of a record crowd after excellent early bookings from patrons for the meeting, which is set at the foot of the magnificent Grampians. The meeting is listed as one of the iconic race dates on the Australian racing calendar.

The first race is scheduled to begin at 1.16pm with the cup set down to start at 4.16pm and the last to kick off at 5.36pm.