He was happy to pose with the holy grail; but Neil Dyer wasn't willing to jinx himself by touching the biggest trophy on offer in Top End racing, at the Darwin Cup Carnival's official launch on Wednesday night.
Victorian trainer Dyer, from Kyneton, 85km northwest of Melbourne, has come close to winning the Darwin Cup (2000m) in the past two years, and he hopes to finally get his hands on the handsome trophy, should two-time runner-up Hawks Bay salute at Fannie Bay on August 1.
Clearly, Hawks Bay has a number of hurdles to overcome before the Dyer camp can claim the Cup at the third attempt, including the 64.5kg the five-year-old will have to lump in the NT-TAB ROANT Gold Cup (1300m) this afternoon.
After the gelding carried 63.5kg to win the Bernborough Club Cup (1000m) in outstanding fashion in his first start back in the Territory last weekend, Dyer remains optimistic.
"He's a big bugger this year - much stronger," Dyer said. "And he seems to grow another six inches when he's in the mounting yard.
"He has a half-brother, who has carried big weights to victory in various Cups (professional and picnic) in Victoria, so I'm not all that worried.