Family tree officialdom would be irrelevant to William Pike if he joined distant relative Jim Pike, the jockey of legendary Phar Lap, on the Melbourne Cup winner’s list.

West Australian “Wizard” Pike matched the “10th cousin” or thereabouts last month on the Cox Plate honour roll with victory aboard Cosmic Crusader.

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Pike has WA export Zakouma, trained by Grahame Begg, in the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday at Flemington.

The late Jim Pike, a New South Welshman who died in 1969, aged 77, won 27 of 30 races on Phar Lap, including the 1930 Melbourne Cup and 1930-31 Cox Plates.

“My uncle actually did it officially, went and got the ancestry tree and got this massive big book, it’s about four inches thick,” William Pike said.

“Apparently in there I trace back to Jim Pike and normally when I speak to the media he’s my great uncle, but I think in reality he’s about a 10th cousin.

“If I could get my name on the (Melbourne Cup) honour roll with him then we can call each other whatever we want then, we’re still on the board together.”

Zakouma is a $26 chance on Tuesday with 52kg.

Zakouma has ticked over nicely this spring, with qualification secured last campaign after victory in the golden ticket Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m).

Pike has enjoyed a dream spring personally with Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) and Cox Plate triumphs.

The Cup would be next level again.

“In all reality, growing up as a kid it always felt so far beyond me I didn’t even think about it,” Pike said.

“But the moment you look like having a ride in it then absolutely you do (dream to win), the significance of it and everything about it.

“The year I rode in it was one of the Covid years so I didn’t get the full experience, so it will be nice to get the full experience this time around.”

Pike, who finished 16th in the 2020 Melbourne Cup on Steel Prince, said Zakouma would lap up the 3200m staying test on Tuesday.

“I’m confident in the horse’s ability but it’s not an easy race,” Pike said.

“Those Europeans come out and most of them are sitting on speed and dominating with an ultimate staying pedigree.

“The two miles won’t be a problem for him … he’ll be in the second half of the field (in the run and) hopefully there’s a cart on offer.

“The key will be trying to get on the right back to get a cart into it, we’ll try to present and give ourselves a chance.”

Pike has four rides on Tuesday and could rival UK singer-songwriter Robbie Williams in the entertainment stakes with victory in the last race at Flemington.

Australian punters coined the slogan “Pikey in the last” for the popular jockey’s happy knack of winning the “Get Out Stakes” on WA racedays quite often.

Pike, too, is a fan of the Rock DJ singer, set to entertain Flemington racegoers on Tuesday before the Cup and after the last.

“I have been to one of his concerts … he was a very good entertainer, whether you like his music or not he’s still a good entertainer,” Pike said.

“I’ll work on my vocals, I don’t think that will go so well.”

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Originally published as William Pike out to join distant ‘cousin’ and Phar Lap jockey Jim Pike on Melbourne Cup honour board

Read related topics:Melbourne