The master trainer was, as usual, the centre of attention at yesterday's Derby Day meeting at Flemington.

Down on the fence on the Flemington lawns a bunch of Bart Cummings larrikins were kitted out in outfits of the famous black-and-white checks, yellow sleeves and checked cap of Bart's No.1 owner Dato Tan Chin Nam.

The gents, who were among 107,645 racegoers trackside yesterday, were having the time of their lives. The boys roared as one when jockey Michael Rodd, wearing the same famous silks, steered one of Bart's horses, Faint Perfume, to victory in the Wakeful Stakes.

It was Bart's 13th Wakeful Stakes victory.

Unlucky for some, 13 could prove to be luckiest of all for Bart.

With Melbourne Cup No 12 already in the bag, can he add another one to that remarkable record on Tuesday?

Only a fool would say he couldn't.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times