Close but not close enough is how Sophie Price describes her flirtation with the cups held at her home track of Winton.
So she would love it if Motorboat Mike could produce a career-best performance to win the $25,000 Winton Cup tomorrow.
The pair went close to winning the Wairio Cup in May, missing out by only a nose to Red Ripper.
''It would be nice to take the local one home. I came close to the Wairio one, just not close enough,'' she said.
The task for Motorboat Mike is not easy, though.
Five of his rivals - Sureasyouwereborn, The Bishop, Eva Keeneva, Wild Bill and Pheasant - are nominated for the New Zealand Cup.
However, there was plenty in Motorboat Mike's run for fourth behind Wild Bill at Wingatui two weeks ago to suggest he is a factor over 2000m tomorrow.
''He probably could have run second or third at Dunedin, but I was happy with fourth,'' Price said.
''He's just improved out of sight from that run - it's a strong field too, though.
''He pulled up really good and ate up and has been working up a treat.''
Price has two chances in the Central Southland Cup over 1200m, although she has been handed the worst of the draws with both of them.
Former Gore and Dunedin Guineas winner Milo, who has been with Price since January, has drawn barrier 11, with stablemate Dermott Brown just inside him at 10.
Milo was set to be retired after failing over Christmas, but part-owner John Carran decided to give him another chance.
''He's been here since January - I've been on and off working him to try and get his feet right,'' she said.
''He had a trial a couple of weeks ago and pulled up sound and did everything right.
''It is a strong field so as long as he is doing everything right and looks like he is finishing off, I will be happy.''
Dermott Brown is almost on trial for New Zealand Cup week at Riccarton, as Price eyes up the Pegasus Stakes on November 7.
''He's working up really nice - he's bigger and stronger this year. If he was in the first three, I'll be happy.
''I would have preferred to have a 75 1200m or 85 1200m but there are none, and I've got to start him somewhere. If I want to get him to cup week, he's got to have a run.''
Price would like a few more rating points - but not too many - to ensure Dermott Brown gets into the listed 1000m dash at Riccarton.
''He's rated 77 at the moment, so if he could get up to a rating 80, I'll be quite happy.''
Vino Tinto (race 3) is in the 1200m for experience, and may be turned out for a spell after tomorrow to add some bulk to her frame.
''She hasn't done a lot but she had a nice gallop yesterday. As long as she can jump out and get a nice trip around, hopefully she's up there.''
The Groomsman (race 1) will relish the conditions if the wind keeps blowing and the track improves to dead.
