If it's a Cup you are after, then it is a Desert King you need!.
Most famous as the sire of the superstar triple Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva, Desert King is a classy and reliable stallion who just keeps doing the job - on the weekend represented by tough and determined Murtoa Cup winner Rainbow Storm.
Strong over the final stages, recording the fourth win of his consistent 20 start career (one that has seen him fill the placings on a further eight occasions), the Darren Weir trained five-year-old relished the 2050m journey.
And, Weir says, the stakes placed galloper will be even better over further.
"As he has got older he has been looking for more ground," he said, confident that Rainbow Storm has plenty more to give - "we are going to have some fun with him on the Country Cup circuit."
A home-bred for the Dunn family out of the Almaarad mare She's Timid, Rainbow Storm is closely related to the Melbourne Cup placegetter She's Archie, dam of May's Dream.
A brave runner-up in Rainbow Storm's Murtoa Cup was Peculatus who was so game in defeat after enduring a tough run in transit.
A two times winner this preparation - and a horse with plenty of upside - the Mandy Shillito trained bay is a son of Golden Snake who, like Desert King, is managed by Julie Nairn's LP Stallions.
A full brother to four other winners, Peculatus has his hoof on the till for a Country Cup of his own.
"Desert King and Golden Snake are two of Victoria's best and most reliable owner/breeder stallions," Julie Nairn said.
"They both sire tough, sound progeny who race on and on - which is exactly what those who race their home-breds want."
"They are value stallions with good strike rates. Golden Snake has done a great job siring two Group One winners from limited opportunities whilst Desert King's average earning figures of over $61,000 and overall progeny earnings in excess of $69 million are outstanding for horse of his fee."
For further information on Golden Snake and Desert King contact LP Stallions' Julie Nairn on 0402 901 910